Planting and Growing the Starry False Lily of the Valley

Also known as starry false Solomon's seal or star-flowered Solomon's seal, the starry false lily of the valley is native to the United States. It is from the lily family of plants and is botanically named Maianthemum stellatum or Smilacina stellata.

Starry False Lily of the Valley Description

Growing on eight to ten inch stems, this perennial flowering plant has dark green leaves that are oval and small white star-like flowers in a cluster. Stems are single and arching, without branching. Berries follow the flowers and are dark green to nearly black. Bloom season is between May and June.

Growing Guide

This perennial prefers to grow in partial shade to full shade in moist soils. It tolerates dry soils, and adapts well to a variety of sites. Propagate by division or by seed. Seed will need cold stratification, followed by warm, then followed by cold stratification again. Rhizome division should be done in the fall or divide up the mature plant.

Distribution

This native is found in the states of Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Iowa, Indiana, 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, and Wyoming. It is found in meadows, moist woods, and thickets.

Herbal Remedy

The starry false lily of the valley has roots that were put into tea or syrups, or just chewed raw, as a relief for coughs. As a poultice, they were put to swellings and burns.

Source: NPIN