Twisted, in the best way

Streptopus amplexifolius in fruit, August 14, 2021

Streptopus amplexifolius in fruit, August 14, 2021

Close-up of stalk, August 14, 2021

Close-up of stalk, August 14, 2021

Common & scientific name
Twisted stalk, Streptopus amplexifolius

Family
Lily, Liliaceae

Location
Weller Lake, elevation 9,800’

Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
One of our most delightful flowers, and while I missed it in bloom this year, I caught it at its arguably more charming stage, in fruit. Its berries, red or orange, hang from decidedly kinked stalks underneath their elegant, lily-like leaves. They are found in shaded, moist places, like lake inlets. There is some disagreement as to whether the berries are edible or not. Their twisted stalks feel too precious to break, anyway!