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) 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 |
| 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 | Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Midwest, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northeast, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Rocky Mountains, South Carolina, South Dakota, Southeast, Tennessee, United States, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| Tolerance | Full Shade, Deer |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Uses | Ground Covers |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Requirements
| Hardiness |
4 - 7 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 7 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Maianthemum |
| 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 | Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Midwest, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northeast, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Rocky Mountains, South Carolina, South Dakota, Southeast, Tennessee, United States, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
| Tolerance | Full Shade, Deer |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Uses | Ground Covers |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
