Adirondack Wildflowers:  Twinflower in bloom at the Paul Smiths VIC (9 June 2012)

Adirondack Wildflowers:
Twinflower (Linnaea borealis)

This page is no longer being updated.  For an updated and expanded version of this material, see: Twinflower (Linnaea borealis)

Adirondack Wildflowers:  Twinflower blooming on the Barnum Brook Trail at the Paul Smiths VIC (9 June 2012)Adirondack Wildflowers: Twinflower blooming at the Paul Smiths VIC (9 June 2012)

Twinflower is a miniature evergreen creeping plant that produces pairs of fragrant pink, bell-like flowers in late spring or early summer. Twinflower is a member of the Honeysuckle family. Its trailing stems reach three feet in length.

Twinflower was a favorite flower of the father of modern botany -- Carolus Linnaeus (1707-1778), who was so fond of the plant he had his portrait painted with it. The Latin name (Linnaea) is in honor of him. The term borealis means "northern" -- a reference to the plant's geographic distribution.

Twinflower grows in cool woods and boggy swamps and on mountain slopes throughout the north woods region. It may be found in Canada and the northern third of the US, including upstate New York.

Adirondack Wildflowers:  Twinflower in bloom at the Paul Smiths VIC (8 June 2012)Adirondack Wildflowers: Twinflower in bloom at the Paul Smiths VIC (8 June 2012)

Twinflower is found on the Barnum Brook Trail at the Paul Smiths VIC. It usually begins blooming in early June at the VIC.

References

Explore the VIC

The Paul Smiths VIC offers a wide variety of programs throughout the year to educate and inform Adirondack Park residents and visitors about the natural wonders of the Adirondack Mountains. You can help support these programs by joining the Friends of the VIC. More information on Friends of the VIC memberships

Explore the Trails

The VIC trails are free and open to the public, from dawn to dusk, spring through fall. In winter, the trails are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers for a fee. Day or season passes may be purchased.