Smilacina racemosa
False Solomon's Seal
N America (Nova Scotia to BC, south to Georgia and California; moist forests, woodland edges; now Maianthemum racemosum; z3)Learn more
Overview
Smilacina racemosa (now reclassified as Maianthemum racemosum) is a herbaceous perennial reaching 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall with a spread of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) and an upright, arching, colony-forming habit spreading by rhizomes. Native to North America—from Nova Scotia to British Columbia and south to Georgia and California—it produces broadly elliptic, parallel-veined leaves 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long alternating along gracefully arching stems. Fluffy, terminal panicles 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long of tiny, fragrant, creamy-white flowers appear in April-May, followed by speckled green berries that ripen to translucent ruby-red in late summer-autumn. Growth rate is slow to moderate. Hardy to zone 3. A woodland understory plant—colonizes slowly via rhizomes. Yellow autumn foliage.
Native Range
Smilacina racemosa (Maianthemum racemosum) is native to North America—from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, south to Georgia, Missouri, and California—in moist deciduous and mixed forests, woodland edges, and shaded slopes.Suggested Uses
Planted in woodland gardens, shade borders, or native plantings at 18-24 inch (45-60 cm) spacing. N American native. Fluffy white panicles Apr-May. Ruby-red autumn berries. Arching woodland habit. Yellow autumn foliage. Slow to colonize. Needs consistent moisture and shade. Not suitable for dry sites, full sun, or where rapid groundcover is needed.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Fluffy terminal panicles 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) of tiny fragrant creamy-white flowers, April-May. Followed by speckled green berries ripening to translucent ruby-red in August-September. Bloom duration 2-3 weeks; berry display 6-8 weeks.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Creamy-white; tiny fragrant; fluffy terminal panicles 2-4 inches; Apr-May; followed by ruby-red berriesFoliage Description
Bright green; broadly elliptic parallel-veined 3-6 inches; alternate on arching stems; yellow autumn; deciduousGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-4 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