Hixson, John
Maianthemum stellatum (L.) Link
Starry false lily of the valley, Starry false Solomon's seal, Star-flowered Solomon's seal
Liliaceae (Lily Family)
Starry false solomon’s-seal is a dainty
perennial with a single, unbranched, arching
stem, bearing a small, terminal cluster of white, star-shaped flowers. Dark-green,
oval leaves line the 8-10 in. stem. Dark berries follow the flowers.
Image Gallery:
14 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Leaf Complexity: Simple Flower:
Fruit: Black, Green
Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , AR , CA , CO , CT , ID , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MO , MT , NE , NV , NH , NJ , NM , NY , ND , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SD , TN , UT , VT , VA , WA , WV , WI , WY , DC
Canada: AB ,
BC ,
NB ,
NL ,
NS ,
ON ,
PE ,
SK Native Distribution: AK to Lab., s. to VA, AR, NM mts. & CA
Native Habitat: Moist woods; gravelly or alluvial shores; thickets; meadows; savannas
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N), SPM(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Dry
Soil Description: Moist, especially sandy, soils.
Conditions Comments: This species adapts to a variety of sites and soils and increases rapidly. It can be used as a ground cover.
Benefit
Use Medicinal: Like onions, the fleshy roots were used to flavour other foods. Medicinlly, the roots were chewed raw or used in syrups and teas to relieve coughs. They were also applied as poultices to burns and swellings. (Kershaw)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Last Update: 2010-05-05
