Also called Wand-Flower or Beetleweed, this plant is easily recognizable by its glossy, rounded or heart-shaped, evergreen leaves. These leaves are especially attractive in the autumn when they develop a rich bronze colour. It also has red scaly bracts at the base and reddish roots. The white blossoms are clustered at the end of a long spike. It grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet. It is found in mountain woods. It blooms from May to July.

Galax is fairly common in the Clinch Mountain area.

Sources:
"A Field Guide to Wildflowers, Northeastern and North-central North America" by Roger Tory Peterson and Margaret McKenny
Encyclopaedia Britannica

Photo taken in my yard