A graceful arching perennial with broad parallel-veined leaves and a terminal cluster of small white flowers in spring, followed by red berries in fall. Often confused with true Solomon's seal (flowers in leaf axils).
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Maianthemum racemosum, the treacleberry, feathery false lily of the valley, false Solomon's seal, Solomon's plume or false spikenard, is a species of flowering plant native to North America. It is a common, widespread plant with numerous common names and synonyms, known from every US state except Hawaii, and from every Canadian province and territory, as well as from Mexico.
Source: Wikipedia — Maianthemum racemosum Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Arching plant with broad leaves alternating up stem; cluster of small white starlike flowers at tip; red berries in fall.
Similar species. True Solomon's Seal (axillary flowers). Other Maianthemum species.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. N/A — photosynthesis
Behavior. Spring wildflower of eastern woodlands. Distinguished from True Solomon's Seal by flowers/berries in branched clusters at stem tips (vs. axillary in true Solomon's seal).
§ Range
Across temperate North America
§ Habitat
Mature deciduous and mixed forests
§ Threats
Forest loss, deer browsing, garlic mustard.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the false solomon's seal is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Plant from nursery sources. Maintain forest cover. Remove invasive garlic mustard.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Maianthemum racemosum
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Maianthemum racemosum
- iNaturalist · taxon 52803
- IUCN Red List — search for Maianthemum racemosum
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Maianthemum racemosum
§ Sources cited
- USDA Plants Database
- Native Plant Trust
