Western Lily of the Valley
Maianthemum dilatatum
Also listed as Maianthemum kamtschaticum, Smilacina dilatata
Also known as False Lily of the Valley, Pacific May Lily, May-lily
Climate Match for your location
See how well Western Lily of the Valley grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A low-growing groundcover with delicate white flowers and attractive heart-shaped leaves that turn golden in fall. Ideal for shaded woodland gardens and native plant landscapes.
Why grow it
Maianthemum dilatatum offers more compact growth and finer foliage texture than similar shade groundcovers like Convallaria majalis, making it suitable for smaller woodland gardens or under-canopy spaces. As a native groundcover across much of the Pacific Northwest and northern regions, it requires minimal maintenance once established and integrates well into native plant communities. It tolerates consistently moist to dry shade better than many competing species, though it prefers moderate moisture and organic-rich soil typical of forest understory conditions.
Watch out for
In gardens with competing vigorous perennials or shrubs, this plant may take several seasons to fill in and establish a dense cover. Performance can be inconsistent in hot, dry climates or areas with intense afternoon sun exposure, even in partial shade situations. Bare patches may emerge if soil lacks sufficient organic matter or if moisture becomes chronically inadequate during establishment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest native
Native to: Alaska, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
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 groundcover with delicate white flowers and attractive heart-shaped leaves that turn golden in fall. Ideal for shaded woodland gardens and native plant landscapes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Western 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 dilatatum offers more compact growth and finer foliage texture than similar shade groundcovers like Convallaria majalis, making it suitable for smaller woodland gardens or under-canopy spaces. As a native groundcover across much of the Pacific Northwest and northern regions, it requires minimal maintenance once established and integrates well into native plant communities. It tolerates consistently moist to dry shade better than many competing species, though it prefers moderate moisture and organic-rich soil typical of forest understory conditions.
Watch out for
In gardens with competing vigorous perennials or shrubs, this plant may take several seasons to fill in and establish a dense cover. Performance can be inconsistent in hot, dry climates or areas with intense afternoon sun exposure, even in partial shade situations. Bare patches may emerge if soil lacks sufficient organic matter or if moisture becomes chronically inadequate during establishment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Northwest native
Native to: Alaska, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
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:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.