Canada Mayflower
Maianthemum canadense
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asparagaceae
- Genus:
- Maianthemum
- Species:
- Maianthemum canadense
- USDA Symbol:
- MACA4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 25 cm
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
white triangle tortrix (Clepsis persicana)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–120 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–365 days
- Notes:
- Germination can be slow and erratic; seeds may take up to a year. Best sown fresh in fall for natural cold stratification.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification for 71 to 112 days
Establishment: M. canadense is found from British Columbia north to the Northwest Territories and east to Newfoundland. It ranges south in the United States to Georgia, Iowa, Nebraska and Wyoming.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Use repeated cycles of 20°C, then 4°C for 3 months each. Germination is very prolonged. * hydrophilic, dried seed unlikely to germinate