False Lily of the Valley
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Some disagreement exists over the proper placement of the genus Maianthemum, however, some botanical sources, including the Flora of North America Association place it in the Lily family (Liliaceae).
Five Maianthemum species grow in North America, four of which go by the nickname False Lily of the Valley, including the Star-flowered Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum stellata) pictured above.
The picture shows the flowers growing on a terminal raceme apart from the leaves. The total plant height extends to three feet.
The bottom picture shows the False Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum racemosa) from a top down view to highlight the flowers against the leaves, which are similar to the leaves for the Star-flowered Solomon's Seal.
Both species grow hardily on or near forest floors throughout much of the United States, provided adequate water resources are available.
© 2009-2011 Patricia A. Michaels