- First described
- 2024
- Type
- single clone
Origin
A wild-collected anthocyanin-free S. leucophylla from Baldwin Co, AL, dating back to when leucophylla fields were widespread. Likely the only or one of very few AF leucophyllas ever found in the wild.
Standout traits
- Truly anthocyanin-free — produces zero red coloration anywhere.
- Yellow flowers — distinguishing trait. Mike's hypothesis: historic introgression with S. alata (which carries the yellow- flower trait) followed by enough back-crossing that vegetative morphology reads as pure leucophylla. AF + yellow-flower combo separates this clone from typical alba leucophyllas.
- Visually like Hurricane Creek White but doesn't reach the same whiteness.
Taxonomic notes
Treated as S. leucophylla f. viridescens. Mike notes the absurdity of stacking f. viridescens + var. alba — sticks with the simpler designation.
Standout traits
- Truly anthocyanin-free — produces no red coloration anywhere on the plant.
- Yellow flowers — Mike's hypothesis: introgression with S. alata in deep ancestry, back-crossed enough that vegetative traits look pure leucophylla.
- Distinct from white-flowered albas: yellow flowers vs white; AF vs anthocyanin-capable.
- Visually similar to Hurricane Creek White but doesn't get quite as white.
Cultivation
Mike notes the taxonomic awkwardness of S. leucophylla f. viridescens var. alba would be ridiculous; the clone is treated as f. viridescens rather than alba.
Photos (4)
Naming
f. viridescens — formal botanical designation for the anthocyanin-free form of leucophylla.