False Lily Of The Valley

(Maianthemum dilatatum)

False Lily Of The Valley (Maianthemum dilatatum)

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Maianthemum dilatatum Native Range
Native Range
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Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 40" - 119"
• High Temp. 64°F - 76°F
• Low Temp. 27°F - 38°F

Summary

Maianthemum dilatatum, commonly known as False Lily of the Valley, is an evergreen perennial herb native to cool, moist, forested environments, including the Pacific Northwest of North America, East Asia, and Russia’s Far East. It thrives under the canopy of coniferous and mixed broadleaf-conifer forests, often forming dense colonies. This species typically grows to 10-25 centimeters in height, with a creeping habit that allows it to spread effectively as a ground cover. The leaves are broadly oval with a heart-shaped base, and the plant produces an erect, unbranched flower stem. In late spring to early summer, it bears an inflorescence of star-shaped white flowers, each with four tepals and four stamens, which are modestly showy. The flowers give way to berries that are 6 millimeters in diameter, starting as speckled red and maturing to solid red, each containing 1 to 4 seeds.

False Lily of the Valley is appreciated for its lush foliage and its ability to thrive in deep shade, making it an excellent choice for shade gardens, woodland plantings, and as a naturalizing ground cover. Its creeping rhizomes enable rapid spread; gardeners may wish to contain or thin patches periodically to prevent it from overtaking neighboring plants. For best growth, it prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full shade to partial sun.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.3-1.2 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Cool, moist, forested environments in the Pacific Northwest, East Asia, and Russia’s Far East

Other Names

Common Names: Snakeberry, Two-Leaved Solomon’s Seal, Deerberry, May-Lily, False Lily-Of-The-Valley, Pacific May Lily, Solomon’s Plume, False Spikenard, Large False Solomon’s Seal, Two-Leaved False Solomon’s Seal

Scientific Names: Maianthemum dilatatum, Maianthemum bifolium var. kamtschaticum, Unifolium dilatatum, Maianthemum kamtschaticum, Maianthemum bifolium var. dilatatum, Unifolium bifolium subsp. kamtschaticum, Smilacina dilatata, Convallaria bifolia var. kamtschatica, Convallaria bifolia var. kamtschaticum

GBIF Accepted Name: Maianthemum dilatatum (Alph.Wood) A.Nelson & J.F.Macbr.