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Close-up of white flower cluster and leaves of False-Lily-of-the-Valley (Maianthemum dilatatum). Another stunning Pacific Northwest native plant available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Close-up of white flower cluster and leaves of False-Lily-of-the-Valley (Maianthemum dilatatum). Another stunning Pacific Northwest native plant available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Close-up of white flower cluster and leaves of False-Lily-of-the-Valley (Maianthemum dilatatum). Another stunning Pacific Northwest native plant available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Close-up of white flower cluster and leaves of False-Lily-of-the-Valley (Maianthemum dilatatum). Another stunning Pacific Northwest native plant available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Unique berries of False-Lily-of-the-Valley (Maianthemum dilatatum). Another stunning Pacific Northwest native plant available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Population of False-Lily-of-the-Valley (Maianthemum dilatatum). Another stunning Pacific Northwest native plant available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Population of False-Lily-of-the-Valley (Maianthemum dilatatum) nestled under an ancient sword fern and evergreen tree. Another stunning Pacific Northwest native plant available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants Nursery in Portland, Oregon.

False Lily-of-the-Valley

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Maianthemum dilatatum

This luscious woodland groundcover will flourish into a continuous blanket of rich green leaves when planted in moist shady areas with mature soils. Clusters of creamy white blooms float above its broad leaves on a central stalk and eventually mature into unique, attractive bright red berries.  

  • Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous, perennial, herbaceous plant
  • Size at maturity: 12" tall, groundcover that spreads laterally
  • Light requirements: full shade, part sun/part shade
  • Moisture requirements: moist soil
  • Bloom time: May - July
  • Growth rate/ease: medium growth rate, easy to grow
  • Wildlife support: flowers attract and support bees and other insect pollinators; overall plant attracts and supports beneficial pest eating insects
  • Native habitat/range: grows near streams and bogs, damp woods under trees up to 1300m, across Western Oregon north to Alaska and south into California. Portland Plant List - yes. 
  • Special features & uses: groundcover; landscape uses include pollinator gardens, woodland gardens, and raingardens

Gardening with False Lily-of-the-Valley: This sweet little plant spreads by rhizome into a continuous groundcover in moist soils that are high in organic matter. It even tolerates very wet soils in winter, making it a great choice for a shady raingarden. Infrequent water in summer (i.e. once every two weeks) may be needed if soils are too dry.   

 Photo Credits 1-4, 6 & 7: Nikkie West, Sparrowhawk Native Plants

Photo Credit 5: "Lily-of-the-valley (Maianthemum dilatatum) berries" by La.Catholique is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

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