Corn-lily
Clintonia borealis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Corn-lily (Clintonia borealis) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Corn-lily as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–12" H × 8"–15" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CT, GA, IL, IN and 17 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Clintonia borealis is a charming woodland perennial with broad, glossy green leaves and delicate yellow flowers that bloom in late spring. This low-growing native forms small clumps and produces attractive blue berries in summer, making it an excellent groundcover for shaded areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Corn-lily takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very woodland/wild appearance unsuitable for formal landscapes
- Uncommon plant that HOAs may not recognize as intentional landscaping
- Low height and informal growth habit don't meet typical front yard expectations
Wildlife value
The yellow flowers attract bees and beetles during the May-June bloom period. The blue berries provide food for birds and small wildlife later in the season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Corn-lily need?
- Corn-lily grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Corn-lily bloom?
- Corn-lily blooms in May and June.
- Where is Corn-lily native?
- Corn-lily (Clintonia borealis) is native to CT, GA, IL, IN and 17 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Corn-lily toxic to dogs?
- Corn-lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Corn-lily toxic to cats?
- Corn-lily is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Corn-lily toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Corn-lily as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Corn-lily attract?
- Corn-lily draws bees and beetles.
- Is Corn-lily HOA-friendly?
- Corn-lily takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Corn-lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz