Canada mayflower
ExplorePlants
Canada mayflower
Maianthemum canadense
The Canada mayflower is a small, lovely plant that grows in shady forests. It has pretty white flowers that bloom in spring and bright green leaves that look like little fans.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Canada mayflower is a small plant, typically 10-25 cm tall, with 1-3 broad, glossy, heart-shaped leaves. It features a cluster of tiny, fragrant white starry flowers atop a slender stalk, later developing into shiny, ruby-red berries.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyAsparagaceaeGenusMaianthemum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
After blooming, its delicate white flowers transform into shiny, ruby-red berries!
Indigenous peoples traditionally used its leaves and roots for various remedies and purposes.
Its tiny white flowers give off a sweet scent, surprisingly similar to lilies!
This small forest plant is a distant relative of both asparagus and lily-of-the-valley!
Special abilities
Ability
Underground Traveler
Canada mayflower can spread using underground stems called rhizomes, allowing it to form colonies and pop up in many new spots.
Ability
Shade Seeker
Canada mayflower has a special ability to thrive in deep forest shade, growing well where other plants might struggle to find enough light.
Ability
Berry Dispersal
Canada mayflower produces bright red berries that attract birds, helping it scatter its seeds far and wide to grow new plants.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-25 cm
- Spread
- 15-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.3-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to early summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not eat any plants you find in the wild unless an adult says it's safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Canada mayflower?
10-25 cm
How wide does Canada mayflower spread?
15-30 cm
How big are the flowers on Canada mayflower?
0.3-0.5 cm
When does Canada mayflower bloom?
Late spring to early summer
Is Canada mayflower edible?
No
Is Canada mayflower toxic?
Mild
What is Canada mayflower's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Canada mayflower pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park49 sightings9 species
Pennsylvania, US
Raymond B. Winter State Park
You might spot Hemlock Varnish Shelf, Mountain Laurel, and Cinnamon Fern.
View guide →
Park46 sightings9 species
Wisconsin, US
Rocky Arbor State Park
You might spot Partridgeberry, Bluebead Lily, and Cinnamon Fern.
View guide →
Park9 sightings8 species
Québec, CA
Parc national du Mont-Mégantic
You might spot Canada Jay, Bluebead Lily, and Hobblebush.
View guide →
Park0 sightings0 species
Pennsylvania, US
McCalls Dam State Park
You might spot Meadow-Rues, Cinnamon Fern, and Pink Lady's Slipper.
View guide →
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