Clasp-leaf Twisted-stalk, Claspingleaf Twistedstalk, Clasping-leaf Twisted Stalk, Clasping Twisted-stalk, Cucumber Root
Streptopus amplexifolius
Synonyms: Streptopus amplexifolius var. americanus, Streptopus amplexifolius var. amplexifolius, Streptopus amplexifolius var. chalazatus
The photo above shows a single flower of clasping-leaved
twisted-stalk. The flowers of this species tend to have creamy white to greenish-tinged
tepals with the tips strongly curved outwards. In addition, the upper peduncle
as seen here closely parallels the leaf blade, before sharply descending or
bending downwards at roughly a right angle. All photos on this page were taken
at about an elevation of 2720' along Road K6000 on the southeastern slopes of
Mt. Adams.............June 13, 2005.
Sites Where This Species May be Seen on Mt. Adams:
1. Road K6000 at moist stream crossings.
2. Island Springs Trail #66 where it crosses Island
Springs Creek (Yakama Reservation).
The photo above shows a good close-up view
of the clasping leaf base and strongly ribbed venation on the lower leaf surface
of clasping-leaved twisted stalk.
The photo above shows the numerous pendant
flowers of clasping-leaved twisted-stalk. The flowers are solitary and hang
from the individual leaf bases. The leaves are aranged similar to those of false
solomon seal, but the inflorescence of the latter species consists of numerous
small white flowers arranged in a panicle at the tip of the stem.
The photo above shows the pendant, bell-shaped flowers, clasping
leaf bases, and the zig zag or twisted leaf stalk of clasping-leaved twisted-stalk. Note that the flowers arise from the leaf nodes in this genus.
Paul Slichter