Chamaelirium

Chamaelirium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae. The genus contains two species, Chamaelirium luteum and Chamaelirium virginicum. Chamaelirium luteum, commonly known as fairy-wand or blazing star, is native to eastern North America. It is a perennial herb that grows in moist, open woodlands and prairies. The plant is characterized by its tall, erect flowering stalks that bear numerous small, white flowers. The flowers are dioecious, meaning that individual plants are either male or female. The male plants have slender, erect flower stalks, while the female plants have thicker, more robust stalks that often arch. The plant has a basal rosette of lance-shaped leaves.

Chamaelirium virginicum, also known as Virginia lily or yellow star, is similar in appearance to C. luteum but is generally found in more mesic habitats. It is also native to eastern North America. Both species have a long history of medicinal use by Native American tribes, who used them for various ailments, including menstrual irregularities and childbirth complications. Modern research has investigated the potential pharmacological properties of Chamaelirium species, particularly their compounds that may have estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects. However, scientific evidence supporting many of these traditional uses is limited. The plants are considered to be slow-growing and can be challenging to cultivate. They are sometimes used ornamentally in woodland gardens.