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Maianthemum canadense (Canada Mayflower)

Canada Mayflower, False Lily of the Valley, Ruby Bead, Two-Leaved Solomon's Seal, Maianthemum canadense var. interius, Maianthemum canadense var. pubescens, Unifolium canadense

Maianthemum canadense, Canada Mayflower, False Lily of the Valley, Ruby Bead, Two-Leaved Solomon's Seal, Maianthemum canadense var. interius, Maianthemum canadense var. pubescens, Unifolium canadense
Maianthemum canadense, Canada Mayflower, False Lily of the Valley, Ruby Bead, Two-Leaved Solomon's Seal, Maianthemum canadense var. interius, Maianthemum canadense var. pubescens, Unifolium canadense

Maianthemum canadense (Canada Mayflower) is a vigorous rhizomatous perennial with pairs of large, oval, wavy-edged, shiny dark green leaves, 3 in. long (8 cm), arising directly from rhizomes. In late spring to early summer, sprays of tiny, white, star-shaped flowers are held on delicate stems just above the foliage. They give way to showy, ruby red berries in late summer. Spreading by underground roots, Canada Mayflower is a magnificent ground-covering plant for woodland gardens. Do not plant it with other, less aggressive woodland wildflowers, as it would overwhelm them.

  • Grows up 4-8 in. tall (10-20 cm). Will spread quickly to form large colonies.
  • Performs best in part shade in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates heavy shade. Moist to slightly dry, humus-rich soils are preferred. Intolerant of heat and humidity.
  • Easy to grow, Canada Mayflower is a welcomed addition to shady gardens, cottage gardens, woodland gardens, naturalized areas or in moist areas near streams or ponds. Most effective as a groundcover.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails. Deer resistant.
  • Propagate by seed or by division.
  • Native to Eastern North America, Labrador to Georgia, west to Tennessee and Iowa.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Maianthemum
Common names Canada Mayflower
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early),
Height 4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Maine, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maryland, Delaware, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Midwest, Northeast, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, Wyoming, Montana
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Ground Covers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Maianthemum dilatatum (False Lily Of The Valley)
Maianthemum stellatum (Starry False Lily of the Valley)
Maianthemum bifolium (False Lily of the Valley)
Maianthemum racemosum (False Spikenard)

Recommended Companion Plants

Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas Fern)
Athyrium filix-femina (Lady Fern)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Heat Zones 1 - 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Maianthemum
Common names Canada Mayflower
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early),
Height 4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Maine, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maryland, Delaware, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Midwest, Northeast, Rocky Mountains, Southeast, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, Wyoming, Montana
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Ground Covers
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Maianthemum to pick?
Compare Now

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