Maianthemum racemosum

 

• Native woodland plant that gets its common name from its superficial resemblance to Solomon’s seal

• Herbaceous perennial

• Roots do not like to be disturbed - flowering will be affected for a year or two

• Prefers moist, rich, well-drained soils, but it also tolerates drier, rockier conditions

• Fragrant flowers bloom late spring and early summer  

• Flowers are followed by clusters of small rounded berries

• Foliage may turn yellow to gold in the fall but sometimes just goes brown

• Fruit turns from green to translucent red when they ripen in late summer or fall

• Birds, bees, small mammals use fruit as a food source

• Divide the clumps in spring or fall, as needed
  
  Zones 3a-8b