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Maianthemumcanadense Desfontaines. Canada Mayflower, "False Lily-of-the-valley", Two-leaved Solomon's-Seal. Phen: Mid May-early Jul (-Aug); Aug-Sep. Hab: Moist forests, especially at high elevations. Dist: NL (Labrador) and NL (Newfoundland) west to NT, south to MD, NC, n. GA (Jones & Coile 1988), KY and SD.
Origin/Endemic status: Native
Taxonomy Comments: Two varieties have been described, but their recognition is not strongly supported. Var. canadense, with leaves glabrous beneath, the margins entire or minutely crenulate, cross-veins of the leaf well-developed, is widespread in the distribution of the species. Var. interius Fernald has the leaves pubescent beneath, the leaf margins distinctly ciliate, and cross-veins obscure; it is not known from our area, but extends east and south as far as MA, NY, and OH. Further study of these varieties is needed. Weller (1970) reports equivocal results on the recognition of varieties, based on a study in n. MI.
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Horticultural Information
Intro:Short, erect, colonial perennial found in moist forests, especially at high elevations.
Stems:Stems smooth, unbranched, sometimes seeming to zigzag.
Leaves:Leaves alternate, sessile with clasping base, oval to lance-shaped, 1-4 in. long, shiny; typically only 1-3 per plant.
Inforescence:
Flowers:Flowers in single, narrow, terminal raceme to 1 1/2 in. long; white; consisting of 4 tiny, slightly reflexed, short-lived, pointed tepals and protruding, persistent stamens.
Fruits:Fruit a red-mottled-with-green, round berry.
Comments:
Height:1 1/2-7 in.
plant sale text:
bloom table text:
description:Short, erect, colonial perennial found in moist forests, especially at high elevations.
stems:Stems smooth, unbranched, sometimes seeming to zigzag.
leaves:Leaves alternate, sessile with clasping base, oval to lance-shaped, 1-4 in. long, shiny; typically only 1-3 per plant.
inflorescence:
flowers:Flowers in single, narrow, terminal raceme to 1 1/2 in. long; white; consisting of 4 tiny, slightly reflexed, short-lived, pointed tepals and protruding, persistent stamens.
fruits:Fruit a red-mottled-with-green, round berry.
