False Lily Of The Valley
Maianthemum dilatatum
- Native to:
- Aleutian Is., Canada, Japan, Korea, Kuril Is., Russia, United States
Extemporalist
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asparagaceae
- Genus:
- Maianthemum
- Species:
- Maianthemum dilatatum
- USDA Symbol:
- MADI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 25 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded forest floors, often near streams
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–180 days
- Notes:
- Seeds have double dormancy and may take two seasons to germinate. Fresh seed germinates more reliably than dried seed.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
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