Scientific name: Maianthemum racemosum
Synonym: Smilacina racemosa
Family: ASPARGACEAE, previously LILIACEAE
Common names: “False Solomon’s seal” false spikenard” “Solomon’s zigzag” “treacleberry”
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Conditions:
Zone: 3-8
Light:Part sun – deep shade
Exposure: Sheltered, does not enjoy to much heat
Soil: Acidic – neutral, tolerant of some clay, rich humus rich
Moisture: Moist well drained – wet
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 2-3′ W 1.5-2′
Leaf and Stem shape: Unbranched arching stems of alternate oval, pointed, light green leaves with parallel veins
Flower: Tiny, fragrant, creamy white flowers in terminal, plumy racemes in spring followed by greenish berries which turn an attractive ruby red in summer
Maintenance: Low – zero, can be cut back in late fall or left to “melt”, roots resent disturbance
Landscape use: Native garden, naturalized woodland, wildlife garden, mixed border, near streams and ponds
Propagate: By seed and rhizomes
Pests & Disease: No serious problems
Comments: ~AGM winner, North American native plant, combines well with ferns and hostas, the young shoots can be eaten but closely resemble another highly toxic plant, the rhizomes have strong laxative properties
Cultivars: M. stellatum – looks similar but is slightly smaller and more slender
