Maianthemum canadense
canada mayflower
Overview
Maianthemum canadense is a low, rhizomatous perennial of North American woodlands, forming spreading colonies 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) tall. Most stems bear a single heart-shaped leaf; flowering stems carry two or three glossy leaves 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long with heart-shaped bases that clasp the stem. In late spring each flowering stem produces an upright cluster of small white flowers, each with four spreading tepals rather than the usual three of related lilies. The flowers are followed by hard, speckled green berries about 0.2 inch (5 mm) wide that ripen through mottled pink to dull red by late summer. The plant spreads by slender underground rhizomes, often carpeting the forest floor in large patches where conditions suit it. It grows in acidic, humus-rich soils under both deciduous and coniferous trees and tolerates dry summer shade once established. Foliage dies back in autumn, leaving no above-ground growth over winter. Because it spreads by rhizome, a single colony can persist for many years and cover several square yards, which can crowd out smaller neighboring plants.
Native Range
Maianthemum canadense is native to northern and eastern North America, from the Yukon and British Columbia east to Newfoundland and south through the Appalachian Mountains to Georgia. It grows in cool, moist to dry woodlands, bogs, and clearings, usually in acidic soils.Suggested Uses
Maianthemum canadense is used as a native groundcover in woodland and shade gardens and in naturalized plantings beneath trees. Its spreading habit covers ground that many lawn grasses and bedding plants cannot hold. The red summer berries draw woodland birds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in late spring, from May into June depending on latitude and elevation. The white four-parted flowers are held in a short upright cluster above the foliage and are faintly fragrant. Berries develop over summer and ripen to red by August.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
glossy 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