Frasera carolinensis, commonly known as American Columbo, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the rich, mesic woodlands and prairies of the Central and Eastern USA. It can reach a height of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) and a width of about 1 foot (0.3 meters). This plant is characterized by its large, upright form and the rosette of basal leaves that persist for several years before the plant flowers. The inflorescence, which appears after several years of vegetative growth, is a tall, showy spike of greenish-white flowers that bloom in late spring to summer. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they are interesting and somewhat unique, adding to the plant’s ornamental value.

American Columbo is not commonly found in cultivation, but it can be a striking addition to native plant gardens, naturalized areas, or as a specimen in a woodland garden. It is valued for its unusual life cycle and tall, striking flower spikes. It prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. While it is not prone to many diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. It is also a biennial or short-lived perennial, so it may need to be replaced or allowed to self-seed in the garden.CC BY-SA 4.0