Maianthemum canadense Desfontaines. Canada Mayflower, "False Lily-of-the-valley". 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.

Synonymy: = FNA26, K1, K3, K4, Mi, NE, NY, Pa, RAB, Tn, Va, W, WV, Judd (2003), LaFrankie (1986); = Unifolium canadense (Desf.) Greene – S; > Maianthemum canadense Desf. var. canadense – C, F, G, Il; > Maianthemum canadense Desf. var. interius Fernald – C, F, G, Il

Show in key(s)

Show parent