Fairy Lanterns

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Fairy lanterns (Disporum smithii) are small white flowering perennials found in forested areas along the entire West Coast.

There is some disagreement in the botany world over whether to put them in the lily family or the Colchicaceae family, so they are also categorized as Prosartes smithii.

Regardless of their name, and despite their small size, the flowers' ability to light up both the underside and topside of the plant's leaves shows their above average luminosity.

A couple different Disporum or Prosartes species are found along the West Coast, and they are often collectively called fairy bells. Each plant has slightly different flowers.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels