May-lily (Maianthemum dilatatum, Bot. Gaz. 61: 30 (1916))

Family: Asparagaceae

Author: (Alph.Wood) A.Nelson & J.F.Macbr.

Bibliography: Bot. Gaz. 61: 30 (1916)

Year: 1916

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Maianthemum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mongolia to Japan, Alaska to NW. California

Description

The enchanting May-lily, scientifically known as Maianthemum dilatatum, is a captivating plant native to a diverse range of regions spanning from Mongolia to Japan and from Alaska to Northwestern California. Written by Alph. Wood and later refined by A. Nelson and J.F. Macbr. in 1916, this charming species holds its place in botanical history as recorded in the Botanical Gazette.

Belonging to the Asparagaceae family, the May-lily is celebrated for its ability to thrive in a variety of woodland habitats. This resilient plant often graces forest floors, where its vibrant foliage and delicate blossoms provide a striking contrast to the pervasive greenery. The foliage of the May-lily consists of broad, heart-shaped leaves that create a lush carpet of green under the protective canopy of taller trees.

One of the most delightful aspects of the May-lily is its floral display. In the spring, the plant produces clusters of small, star-like white flowers that emit a subtle, sweet fragrance, enchanting anyone who comes across them. These blossoms not only add to the scenic beauty of their natural habitats but also play a role in the ecosystem by attracting pollinators.

Following the flowering period, the May-lily develops small, berry-like fruits that initially appear green before ripening to a shade of red. These fruits serve as a food source for various bird species, thereby contributing to the biodiversity of their environments. Furthermore, the plant’s ability to spread through both seeds and rhizomes ensures its persistence and spread throughout suitable habitats.

Overall, the May-lily is a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature, flourishing across a broad swath of geographic regions and creating pockets of delicate beauty wherever it grows. Its presence enriches both the visual and ecological tapestry of the temperate forests it inhabits.

Common Names

Deu: kamtschatka-schattenblümchen
Eng: may-lily, deerberry, false lily of the valley, false lily-of-the-valley, two-leaved false solomon’s seal, pacific may lily, solomon’s plume, false spikenard, large false solomon’s seal
Fra: maïanthème dilaté, maïanthème de l’ouest, maïanthème dilatée
En: May-lily, Deerberry, False lily of the valley, False lily-of-the-valley, Two-leaved false Solomon’s seal, Pacific May lily, Solomon’s plume, False spikenard, Large false Solomon’s seal
Fr: Maïanthème dilaté, Maïanthème de l’Ouest, Maïanthème dilatée
De: Kamtschatka-Schattenblümchen

Synonyms

• Unifolium dilatatum ((Alph.Wood) Greene)
• Maianthemum bifolium var. pumilum (J.M.H.Shaw)
• Unifolium kamtschaticum ((J.F.Gmel.) Gorman)
• Smilacina dilatata ((Alph.Wood) Nutt. ex Baker)
• Maianthemum kamtschaticum ((J.F.Gmel.) Nakai)
• Maianthemum bifolium var. kamtschaticum ((J.F.Gmel.) Trautv. & C.A.Mey.)
• Smilacina bifolia var. kamtschatica ((J.F.Gmel.) Ledeb.)
• Unifolium bifolium subsp. kamtschaticum ((J.F.Gmel.) Piper)
• Convallaria bifolia var. kamtschatica (J.F.Gmel.)
• Maianthemum bifolium var. dilatatum (Alph.Wood)
• Maianthemum bifolium subsp. kamtschaticum ((J.F.Gmel.) A.E.Murray)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• Amur (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Chita (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Washington (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jul 1, 1994 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken May 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 16, 2022 by Justine REMAUDIERE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2769435)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:149429-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Maianthemum dilatatum (Alph.Wood) A.Nelson & J.F.Macbr.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth