COMMON NAME: Solomon’s Plume, Feathery Solomon’s Seal, False Solomon’s Seal
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Maianthemum racemosa – Maianthemum , meaning “May flower”, racemosa comes from Latin for a cluster of flowers each on its own central stalk.
FLOWER: Plumes of creamy white blossoms at the ends of arching branches.
BLOOMING PERIOD: May to June
SIZE: 2 – 4 feet
BEHAVIOR: Multiplies through extension of rootstock. Can be propagated by dividing the rootstock or from seed.
SITE REQUIREMENTS: Have a wide tolerance of soils and light conditions, but flowers best on deep, humus-rich soil with sufficient moisture.
NATURAL RANGE: Nova Scotia to British Columbia, south to Georgia, Missouri and Arizona. It is found throughout Wisconsin.
SPECIAL FEATURES: The stems are not branched below the flowers and the leaves are alternate, elliptical and have pointed tips. The plumes of white blossoms give way to a cluster of green and purple dotted berries ripening to red in August – September that are attractive to birds.
SUGGESTED CARE: Requires little care one it is established. Try to keep the soil somewhat moist. Do not divide for at least three years after planting.
COMPANION PLANTS: wild geranium, trillium, bedstraw, mayapple, woodland phlox, wild ginger and other woodland spring flowers.