Canada Mayflower
Maianthemum canadense
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
Source: Wikimedia; Credit: BlueCanoe https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:BlueCanoe
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:
- 20 cm
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days; germination occurs in spring.
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
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)