Starry False Lily Of The Valley (Maianthemum stellatum)

Starry False Lily Of The Valley

(Maianthemum stellatum)

Starry False Lily Of The Valley (Maianthemum stellatum)

Ellyne Geurts

Public Domain

Image By: Ellyne Geurts

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Maianthemum stellatum, commonly known as Starry False Lily of the Valley, is a deciduous perennial herb that thrives in a variety of habitats including moist, deciduous forests, forest edges, and shaded stream banks across North America, from the northern United States to Canada. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and spreads 0.8-2 feet (0.2-0.6 meters). This plant features a clump-forming habit with alternate, lance-shaped leaves and produces small, star-shaped white flowers in late spring to early summer. The flowers are modest yet charming, and they give way to green-and-black striped berries that mature to deep red in the fall, providing seasonal interest.

Starry False Lily of the Valley is valued for its understated beauty and ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, naturalized areas, and shaded borders. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring consistently moist soil and partial to full shade. While it prefers rich, well-drained soils, it is adaptable to various soil types. This plant is not known for serious pest or disease problems, but it can be sensitive to drought and excessive sun. It is also appreciated for its non-invasive nature and its role in supporting local pollinators.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 1-2 feet
Width: 0.8-1.5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, 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, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Moist, deciduous forests, forest edges, and shaded stream banks across North America

Other Names

Common Names: Star False Solomon’s-Seal , Starflower-Solomon’s-Seal , Little False Solomon’s-Seal , False Solomon’s Seal , Star-Flower Solomon’s-Seal , Starry Solomon’s-Seal , Starry False Solomon’s Seal , Starry False Solomon’s-Seal , Little False Solomon’s Seal , Star-Flowered Solomon’s Seal

Scientific Names: Maianthemum stellatum , Smilacina stellata , Smilacina stellata var. sessilifolia , Smilacina sessilifolia publ , Smilacina sessilifolia , Smilacina liliacea , Vagnera stellata , Vagnera sessilifolia , Smilacina stellata var. crassa , Convallaria stellata

GBIF Accepted Name: Maianthemum stellatum (L.) Link