Ranunculaceae

Trautvetteria caroliniensis

False Bugbane

Erect, forming colonies from spreading underground roots. Stems hairless below, curly hairs in inflorescence. Leaves mostly basal, large, more or less round, deeply palmately divided, 5–10 lobes, toothed; medium green on upper surface, lighter underneath. Inflorescence flat-topped with 5 or more flowers. Flower sepals 3–7, white, falling off early; showy fluffy flowers have 50–70 white stamens, 10 or more pistils. Grows in moist shaded forests, along streams, at mid- to high elevations. Foliage very similar to that of closely related tall bugbane, Cimicifuga elata.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: Early Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 24--40 inches
• Habitat: West-Side Forest, East-Side Forest, Moist Riverbanks
• Found In: West Gorge, Olympic Np, Mt. Rainier Np, N Cascades Np, Wallowas
• Native: Yes