Photo of Maianthemum stellatum foliage by Secret Garden Growers

Photo by Secret Garden Growers

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Maianthemum stellatum

Also Known As

  • Smilacina stellata
  • False Solomons Seal
  • Starry False Lily of the Valley

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 8"-24"
  • W: 8"-18"

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

More Options

Maianthemum stellatum plant details

Maianthemum stellatum is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Maianthemum stellatum

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asparagaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 8 IN - 18 IN - wide, 8 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: spreading, summer dormant, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Maianthemum stellatum

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Dainty looking perennial with a bullet proof disposition! Dry shade? No problem. Tree roots? Bah! Perennial spreading by creeping rhizomes; 12-24" tall stems curve upward, cloaked in deep green, narrow leaves. Light shade is ideal, some summer moisture for best appearance…April to June, small white star flowers in pyramidical clusters (fairy favorite!), followed by wine red berries in fall. Native to U.S.
Starry Solomon's Plume or Smilacina stellata, is a tough plant that thrives in dry, sandy soil in the shade, where few other plants can survive. One of its favorite habitats is oak woodlands at the edge of sand dunes. Creeping slowly by underground rhizomes, it is excellent for stabilizing sandy soils under oaks and pines. Starry False Solomon's Seal or Starry False Lily of the Valley are other common names. Hardy to Zones 2 - 6.
Blooms: spring, white, star shaped, red fruit/ oval, pleated foliage Zone 3-9. 2', PNW, shade-part sun, moist, well drained
A choice shade plant (Jelitto), this lovely woodland wildflower, from a set of pale-green lance-shaped leaves, produces a 2-3' stalk of dainty creamy white star-flowers followed by deep-red berries. PSh-Shade/Med/Acid
(Starflower) Summer blooming stalk, 8-10“ tall. Pointed lance-shaped leaves up to 6“ long. Star-shaped white blossoms in few-flowered terminals. An open woodland ground cover. Can be invasive. 

By: The Bovees Nursery

Gardening facts about Maianthemum stellatum plant

How to Grow Maianthemum stellatum

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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