Star-flowered Lily-of-the-valley
Maianthemum stellatum
Also listed as Convallaria stellata, Smilacina stellata
Also known as Starry False Solomon's-seal, Starry Solomon's-seal, Star-flowered False Solomon's Seal
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing woodland perennial with small starry white flowers and attractive red berries in late summer. Spreads slowly to form a delicate groundcover in shaded garden areas.
Why grow it
Maianthemum stellatum offers a refined alternative to common lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) for gardeners seeking a less aggressive groundcover in woodland settings. Its starry flower form and eventual berry display provide subtle seasonal interest without the spreading vigor that makes Convallaria difficult to contain. The plant's slow establishment and modest mature height make it suitable for naturalized plantings under deciduous trees where faster spreaders would overwhelm neighboring species.
Watch out for
This species establishes slowly and may take several seasons to form cohesive cover, requiring patience and adequate moisture during early growth. It prefers consistently moist but well-draining soil in partial to full shade, and performance declines noticeably in hot, dry locations or full sun exposure.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, 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 low-growing woodland perennial with small starry white flowers and attractive red berries in late summer. Spreads slowly to form a delicate groundcover in shaded garden areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Star-flowered Lily-of-the-valley grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Maianthemum stellatum offers a refined alternative to common lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) for gardeners seeking a less aggressive groundcover in woodland settings. Its starry flower form and eventual berry display provide subtle seasonal interest without the spreading vigor that makes Convallaria difficult to contain. The plant's slow establishment and modest mature height make it suitable for naturalized plantings under deciduous trees where faster spreaders would overwhelm neighboring species.
Watch out for
This species establishes slowly and may take several seasons to form cohesive cover, requiring patience and adequate moisture during early growth. It prefers consistently moist but well-draining soil in partial to full shade, and performance declines noticeably in hot, dry locations or full sun exposure.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, 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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