Galax is an evergreen herbaceous perennial or subshrub with roundish heart-shaped, glossy, dark green leaves. It is very common in the Mountains of North Carolina, and uncommon to rare in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain.

Orange Co., NC 10/17/10.

The inflorescence is a long raceme that ascends straight and towers above the basal leaves.

Planted, Durham, NC 5/24/2009.

Galax leaves are malodorous and can be smelled from some distance away. Compare the leaves with those of the similar but very rare Oconee Bells (Shortia galacifolia).

Carroll Co., VA 7/14/07.

An alternate common name listed on the USDA site is "beetleweed." Formerly known as Galax aphylla.

Carroll Co., VA 7/14/07.

The small white flowers appear in late spring.

Wilkes Co., NC 6/15/08.

Developing fruits.

Carroll Co., VA 7/14/07.

Carroll Co., VA 7/14/07.