Twinflower (Linnaea americana) is a little waif of a plant found throughout the northern hemisphere in circumboreal habitats. Twinflower occurs in open forests, heaths, and open dry slopes in the mountains across the northern hemisphere from Siberia to Sweden and across North America. The specific epithet borealis means “northern”, referring to the plants geographic distribution.Despite its penchant for cool dark forests, it really seems to have no particular habitat preference. It is just as commonly found under moderate deciduous canopy in either moist or average soil moisture conditions. When not in bloom it is often overlooked, ignored or accidentally crushed beneath the foot of a passing hiker. Twinflower becomes the belle of the forest when in bloom as its pink and white flowers seem to lighten the green mosses and cool dark forests where it grows.
