Tellima grandiflora (Fringecup)

Tellima grandiflora, or fringecup, is a graceful Pacific Northwest native woodland perennial that brings delicate texture to shaded and semi-shaded garden spaces. In spring, slender 18 to 24 inch stems rise above a low mound of scalloped, hairy foliage, bearing clusters of small greenish-white to pale pink flowers with distinctively fringed petals. These dainty blooms attract native bees during an important early-season pollinator window and have a quiet elegance that rewards a close look.

Fringecup is exceptionally well suited to the conditions along the Oregon coast. It thrives in the cool, moist, partly shaded environments that mimic its native habitat under conifers and along stream banks. Once established, it is drought tolerant in shade and spreads gently by self-seeding to form attractive natural colonies. It is a superb choice for naturalizing under large trees, filling a woodland edge, or softening the base of a shaded shrub border.

As a native plant, fringecup supports local ecosystems by providing early nectar for native pollinators and contributing a sense of regional authenticity to the garden. It pairs beautifully with other PNW woodland natives such as sword fern, bleeding heart, and vanilla leaf. Minimal care is needed once established. Simply remove spent flower stalks after bloom or allow self-seeding for naturalization.