False Solomon’s seal (feathery false lily of the valley) Maianthemum racemosum
False Solomon’s seal (feathery false lily of the valley) (Maianthemum racemosum) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Asparagaceae family, native to Woodlands of most of North America. It grows 50–90 cm (20–35 in) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -38 °C (-36 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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False Solomon’s seal (feathery false lily of the valley) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -38 °C (-36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Woodlands of most of North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is False Solomon’s seal (feathery false lily of the valley) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: berries
The berries are a cathartic in quantity; young shoots were eaten cooked by some Native peoples, but do not forage without expert knowledge.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with False Solomon’s seal (feathery false lily of the valley)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about False Solomon’s seal (feathery false lily of the valley)
- How far apart should I plant False Solomon’s seal (feathery false lily of the valley)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does False Solomon’s seal (feathery false lily of the valley) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does False Solomon’s seal (feathery false lily of the valley) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is False Solomon’s seal (feathery false lily of the valley)?
- It tolerates about -38 °C (-36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does False Solomon’s seal (feathery false lily of the valley) flower?
- From about May for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is False Solomon’s seal (feathery false lily of the valley) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. The berries are a cathartic in quantity; young shoots were eaten cooked by some Native peoples, but do not forage without expert knowledge.
- What grows well with False Solomon’s seal (feathery false lily of the valley)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for False Solomon’s seal (feathery false lily of the valley). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Illinois Wildflowers (descriptions and insect-visitor records), John Hilty, illinoiswildflowers.info
Notes and assumptions
- Arching stems of alternate, pleated leaves ending in a fluffy plume of tiny, lemon-scented white flowers in late spring, then speckled berries ripening red in late summer for woodland birds.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana