Maianthemum dilatatum

Common Names

False Lily Of The Valley, May-Lily, Wild Lily Of The Valley, Two-Leaved Solomon's Seal, Snakeberry, Bead Ruby, Deer Berry

Summary

Maianthemum dilatatum is a native western North American herbaceous perennial that forms a vigorous rhizomatous ground cover, spreading to dense mats in moist, shady woodlands and along streams from Alaska to California and across parts of Asia. It grows to about 6–15 inches tall, with pairs of glossy heart-shaped leaves and erect stems bearing a cylindrical spike of small white flowers, followed by red berries, creating a striking shade-loving ground cover.

In cultivation it prefers cool, shade to part shade and moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils; it tolerates a range of soils and light conditions but favors moist shade and is hardy in USDA zones 4–7. It spreads rapidly via creeping rhizomes and can be invasive if not contained; propagation is by seed or division; ideal uses include woodland ground cover, shady borders, along streams, and naturalized garden areas, with maintenance generally low once established.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-15 inches

Spread

1-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil (not waterlogged)

Soil pH

4.5-7.5

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer (blooms May–July).

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Gold

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and birds