Canada Mayflower
Maianthemum canadense
Also listed as Unifolium canadense, Convallaria canadensis
Also known as Canadian Mayflower, Wild Lily-of-the-valley, False Lily-of-the-valley
Climate Match for your location
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A delicate woodland groundcover with heart-shaped leaves and small white flowers in late spring, followed by red berries that ripen to black. Excellent for shaded garden beds and naturalized areas.
Why grow it
Canada mayflower spreads more slowly and densely than some competing woodland groundcovers, making it useful for stabilizing shaded slopes or filling gaps beneath established trees where faster spreaders might overwhelm neighboring plants. Its two-ranked, heart-shaped leaves provide distinctive fine texture, and the progression from white spring flowers to red then black berries extends seasonal interest. Unlike many shade groundcovers, it tolerates the dry conditions found under large tree canopies once established.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist, humus-rich soil and may decline in persistently dry shade or compacted sites. Establishment from divisions or seed can be slow, requiring patience in the first season or two before reliable spreading begins.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate woodland groundcover with heart-shaped leaves and small white flowers in late spring, followed by red berries that ripen to black. Excellent for shaded garden beds and naturalized areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Canada Mayflower grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Canada mayflower spreads more slowly and densely than some competing woodland groundcovers, making it useful for stabilizing shaded slopes or filling gaps beneath established trees where faster spreaders might overwhelm neighboring plants. Its two-ranked, heart-shaped leaves provide distinctive fine texture, and the progression from white spring flowers to red then black berries extends seasonal interest. Unlike many shade groundcovers, it tolerates the dry conditions found under large tree canopies once established.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist, humus-rich soil and may decline in persistently dry shade or compacted sites. Establishment from divisions or seed can be slow, requiring patience in the first season or two before reliable spreading begins.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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