False Lily Of The Valley

(Maianthemum bifolium)

False Lily Of The Valley (Maianthemum bifolium)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Maianthemum bifolium, commonly known as False Lily of the Valley, is a deciduous perennial herb that thrives in the understory of temperate forests. It is native to a range of habitats including cool, deciduous woodlands, mixed coniferous forests, and the shady, moist environments of the Pacific Northwest, as well as similar ecosystems in Eastern Europe, Northern and Central Asia. This plant typically grows to a height of 0.5-0.8 feet (15-25 cm) and spreads 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) wide, forming dense colonies via its rhizomatous root system.

False Lily of the Valley is valued for its delicate appearance, with small, star-shaped, cream to white flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer, providing a subtle, understated beauty to shaded garden areas. The plant’s foliage is also attractive, with two broad leaves per stem that emerge directly from the rhizome. After flowering, small, round berries may form, which are initially green but turn red as they mature. It is often used as a ground cover in woodland gardens, naturalized areas, or shaded borders. For optimal growth, it requires consistently moist soil with good drainage and thrives in part shade, though it can tolerate drier conditions once established. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to slug damage.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-0.8 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Cream, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bird Garden, Fragrant

Natural Habitat

Temperate deciduous woodlands, mixed coniferous forests, and moist environments of the Pacific Northwest

Other Names

Common Names: May-Lily, Majblomst, Zweiblättriges Schattenblümchen, Schattenblümchen, Maîanthème À Deux Feuilles, Dalkruid, Ekorrbär, 두루미꽃

Scientific Names: , Maianthemum bifolium, Majanthemum bifolium, Maianthemum convallaria, Smilacina bifolia, Convallaria bifolia, Unifolium bifolium, Convallaria cordifolia, Maia bifolia, Bifolium cordatum

GBIF Accepted Name: Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F.W.Schmidt