2024 Plant of the Year, Special Recognition

Special recognition was awarded to Shortia galacifolia, a perennial plant native to the southern Appalachian Mountains, concentrated in the tri-state border region of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Commonly referred to as Shortia, the plant is a petite evergreen perennial that blankets the forest floor. Its heart-shaped leaves form a lush green carpet that sends up clusters of slender stalks, each adorned with dainty, star-shaped flowers in shades of white or pale pink. The blossoms exude a sweet fragrance that beckons an array of pollinators.

Shortia has a fascinating relationship with its environment, forming symbiotic connections with specific soil fungi. These mycorrhizal associations enable the plant to thrive in nutrient-poor soils, highlighting its resilience and adaptability. Its dense foliage provides vital cover and nesting sites for small creatures, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the garden ecosystem.