Twinflower

Twinflower (Linnaea borealis) is a low, trailing perennial in the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). It carpets the moist understory of subalpine conifer forests in Banff National Park; delicate paired pink flowers on thread-like stems.

Identification: Prostrate, evergreen mat (5–15 cm); small, oval, opposite leaves; pairs of nodding, bell-shaped pink flowers (5–10 mm) on erect stems. Named for the paired (“twin”) flowers. Named after Carl Linnaeus; the “Father of Taxonomy”; who considered it his favourite plant.

Habitat: Subalpine; moist, shady conifer forest understory. Often with bunchberry, heart-leaved arnica, and Labrador tea. Blooms June to August.

Viewing: Look in shady spruce-fir forest along Lake Agnes, Plain of Six Glaciers, and subalpine trails. Flowers are small; look closely. Do not pick; plants are slow-growing and sensitive.