Maianthemum tatsienense
Chinese false Solomon's seal
Western China (Sichuan, Yunnan, Tibet)
Overview
Maianthemum tatsienense is a rhizomatous woodland perennial reaching 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall, with arching, unbranched stems that spread slowly into colonies 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. The stems carry alternate, oval to lance-shaped leaves 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long, mid-green and prominently veined. In late spring to early summer the stem tips bear short racemes of small star-shaped flowers, greenish to dull purple or brownish, each only about 0.2 inch (5 mm) across. Flowers are followed by small berries that ripen from speckled green through red. The plant grows from a creeping rhizome and dies back to the ground in autumn, re-emerging in spring. It forms loose, open colonies rather than dense mats and spreads at a slow to moderate pace in suitable soil. Native to montane forest in western China, it grows in cool, humus-rich, evenly moist soil in shade. Dry soil and exposure to direct sun cause leaf scorch and early dormancy. Ripe berries persist on the arching stems into early autumn.
Native Range
Maianthemum tatsienense is native to montane woodland and forest margins in western China, including Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet, at elevations from roughly 6,500 to 11,500 feet (2,000-3,500 m). It grows in cool, moist, shaded conditions in humus-rich soil.Suggested Uses
Used in shaded woodland gardens, as an underplanting beneath deciduous shrubs, and along cool, moist border edges. Suited to naturalistic shade plantings where it forms slow-spreading colonies.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Greenish to dull purpleFoliage Description
Mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Maianthemum tatsienense grows in part shade to full shade in cool, humus-rich, evenly moist but well-drained soil. It tolerates soil pH from about 5.5 to 7.0 and responds to a mulch of leaf mold that keeps the rhizomes cool. Established plants spread slowly by rhizome and need little beyond consistent moisture. Dry soil and direct afternoon sun scorch the foliage and trigger early dormancy. Plants are slow to establish and may take two to three seasons to begin spreading. Division of dormant rhizomes in early spring or autumn is the usual method of propagation.Pruning
No routine pruning is needed. Stems that have died back can be cleared in late autumn or left to break down naturally. Spent foliage is removed in spring before new growth emerges.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fallearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing