False Lily-of-the-Valley – Sparrowhawk Native Plants

By A Mystery Man Writer

Last updated 06 Jul 2024

False Lily-of-the-Valley – Sparrowhawk Native Plants

False Lily-of-the-Valley (Maianthemum dilatatum) is a luscious woodland groundcover that will flourish into a continuous blanket of rich green leaves when planted in moist shady areas with mature soils. Clusters of creamy white blooms float above its broad leaves on a central stalk and eventually mature into unique, attractive bright red berries.
Maianthemum dilatatum This luscious woodland groundcover will flourish into a continuous blanket of rich green leaves when planted in moist shady areas with mature soils. Clusters of creamy white blooms float above its broad leaves on a central stalk and eventually mature into unique, attractive bright red berries. Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous perennial herbaceous plant Size at maturity: 1' tall, 2-3' wide Light requirements: full shade, part sun / part shade Moisture requirements: moist soil Bloom time: May - July Growth rate/ease: moderate growth rate, easy to grow Wildlife support: attracts and supports bees and other insect pollinators, beneficial insects and pest eating insects Native habitat/range: Common near streams and bogs, damp woods under trees up to 1300m, across Western Oregon north to AK and south into CA. Portland Plant List - yes. Special features & uses: groundcover, pollinator garden, woodland garden, raingarden Gardening with False Lily-of-the-Valley: This sweet little plant spreads by rhizome into a continuous groundcover in moist soils that are high in organic matter. It even tolerates very wet soils in winter, making it a great choice for a shady raingarden. Infrequent water in summer (i.e. once every two weeks) may be needed if soils are too dry. Photo Credits 1-4, 6 & 7: Nikkie West, Sparrowhawk Native Plants Photo Credit 5: Lily-of-the-valley (Maianthemum dilatatum) berries by La.Catholique is licensed under CC BY 2.0