Galax (Galax urceolata)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Diapensiales>Diapensiaceae>Galax urceolata (Poiret) Brummitt

Galax is an evergreen herbaceous perennial or subshrub with roundish heart-shaped, glossy, dark green leaves. It is very common in the Mountains of North Carolina, and uncommon to rare in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain.

Orange Co., NC 10/17/10.

The inflorescence is a long raceme that ascends straight and towers above the basal leaves.

Planted, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

	Galax leaves are malodorous and can be smelled from some distance away. Compare the leaves with those of the similar but very rare Oconee Bells (Shortia galacifolia). Carroll Co., VA 7/14/07.
	An alternate common name listed on the USDA site is "beetleweed." Formerly known as Galax aphylla. Carroll Co., VA 7/14/07.
	The small white flowers appear in late spring. Wilkes Co., NC 6/15/08.
	Developing fruits. Carroll Co., VA 7/14/07.
	Carroll Co., VA 7/14/07.

More information:
USDA PLANTS database
Wildflowers of the Southeastern US