Maianthemum spp.
mayflowers and false Solomon's seals
Temperate Northern Hemisphere; Central American mountains
Attracts Pollinators
Native to North America
Overview
Maianthemum spp. is a genus of about 35 species of rhizomatous woodland perennials in the family Asparagaceae, including the false Solomon's seals and mayflowers. They are native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere and the mountains of Central America, growing in moist deciduous and coniferous forests, on shaded slopes, and along streams. Spreading underground rhizomes send up arching or upright stems 4 to 36 inches (10 to 90 cm) tall, lined with broad, oval, parallel-veined leaves. In late spring the stems carry small, star-shaped white or cream flowers in a terminal raceme or branched panicle, followed by round berries that ripen, often through a mottled stage, to red. Two-leaved species such as M. canadense and M. bifolium form low carpets, while larger species like M. racemosum arch to knee height in a single plume of bloom. Plants spread steadily by rhizome to make broad colonies and die back to the ground each winter. They grow in shade and humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil and tolerate little drought. The berries can cause stomach upset if eaten in quantity.
Native Range
Maianthemum spp. is native across the temperate Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia, with several species in the mountains of Mexico and Central America. Plants grow in moist woodland, shaded ravines, and coniferous forest floors.Suggested Uses
Maianthemum spp. is grown as a shade groundcover and woodland-garden plant, valued for its spring flowers, red berries, and spreading habit under trees. Low species suit naturalized drifts, while taller ones are used in shaded borders with ferns and other woodlanders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Maianthemum spp. flowers in late spring, roughly May to June, with white to cream blooms in a terminal cluster. The flowers give way to green berries that mottle and ripen to red by late summer and autumn. Flowering lasts about 2 to 3 weeks.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to creamFoliage Description
Medium to deep greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight