Canada Mayflower

Scientific name

Maianthemum canadense

Description

Canada Mayflower is a herbaceous perennial wildflower that grows up to 20 cm tall. This plant may also be known by the common name False Lily of the Valley. This species has 1-3 leaves that are large, smooth, alternately arranged, oval shaped with pointed tips, have prominent veins, and have entire margins. The flowers are small, creamy white colored, have 4 petals, 4 stamens, appear in spiked raceme clusters, and bloom between May and June. In late summer, the flowers are replaced with round speckled pale red berries that each contain two seeds. Canada Mayflower can form colonies along fibrous rhizomes. The flowers are beneficial for pollinator species, like bees.

Planting conditions

Canada Mayflower grows best in dry to moist conditions with partial sun or shade. It prefers well-drained, acidic, sandy loam, humus, or rocky soil types. It is intolerant to competition. This wildflower can be naturally found in sandy meadows, moist forests, and along shaded shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
• Light conditions:
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Humus
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Wildflower
• Eco Zone:
  • 1a
  • 1b
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
• Plant type:
  • Wildflower
• Height:
  • 20 cm
• Spread:
  • 50 cm