Canada Mayflower

(Maianthemum canadense)

Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense)

BlueCanoe

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: BlueCanoe

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Maianthemum canadense, commonly known as Canada Mayflower, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the cool, moist, deciduous, and mixed forests of Eastern and Central USA, as well as across multiple Canadian provinces. It typically grows to 10–25 cm (4–10 in) tall, arising from branching rhizomes that have roots only at the nodes. This understory plant often forms dense colonies. The plant appears in two forms: either as a single leaf rising from the ground with no fruiting structures or as a flowering/fruiting stem with 2-3 leaves. Flowering shoots have clusters of 12–25 starry-shaped, white flowers held above the leaves, blooming from late spring to early summer. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite showy en masse. The berries are 4-6 mm across, mottled red in early summer and turning deep red by mid-summer. Seed production is infrequent, with most plants in a location being vegetative clones, spreading by their shallow, trailing, white rhizomes.

Canada Mayflower is valued for its ground-covering ability, low maintenance, and the subtle charm of its white flowers followed by attractive red berries. It is often used in woodland gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized areas. It thrives in part shade to full shade, preferring moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. While it is adaptable to different soil types, it does not tolerate drought well. Canada Mayflower is generally pest and disease-free but can be sensitive to soil compaction and disturbance. It is not known to be invasive and is a beneficial native plant for supporting local ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 0.3-0.5 feet
Width: 0.3-0.5 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

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

Natural Habitat

Cool, moist, deciduous, and mixed forests

Other Names

Common Names: Canadian May-Lily, False Lily-Of-The-Valley, Canadian Lily-Of-The-Valley, Wild Lily-Of-The-Valley, Two-Leaved Solomon’s Seal

Scientific Names: , Maianthemum canadense, Maianthemum canadense var. interius, Maianthemum canadense var. canadense, Maianthemum canadense subsp. interius, Unifolium canadense, Maianthemum canadense var. carolinianum, Unifolium eschscholtzianum, Maianthenum canadense, Smilacina bifolia var. canadensis

GBIF Accepted Name: Maianthemum canadense Desf.