Species false Solomon's seal
cluster of small, white, star-shaped flowers with long, white filaments, yellow anthers, green stems, and long, lanceolate, green leaves

false Solomon's seal

Maianthemum stellatum

False Solomon's seal (Maianthemum stellatum) is a rhizomatous perennial in North America. Growing 3 to 4 feet tall, the plant has glossy green foliage above and white, star-like flowers below, giving the plant an elegant look. False Solomon seals also produce small white berries which can be cooked and used in jams and desserts. The plant thrives in moist to wet soils in full to partial sun and can be a great addition to shade gardens. Its resistance to drought also makes it an ideal ground cover, as well as providing a nectar source for pollinators.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 7

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Part shade

Soil:

Sandy Loamy Clay Rocky

Fruits:

red,orange Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Care Level:

Medium

watering

False Solomon's seal should be watered moderately-- any more than necessary can cause root rot. Water the soil well once a week, making sure that the soil is dry before watering again. It is important to avoid excessive water, especially during the winter when the plant is dormant. The soil should remain evenly moist but never soggy. It is best to check the soil moisture with your finger before watering.

sunlight

False Solomon's seal (Maianthemum stellatum) does best in partial sun to partial shade. It thrives in light conditions ranging between 4 and 6 hours of direct sun exposure each day. As a plant species that grows naturally in wooded areas, it does better with morning or intermittent sun, as opposed to direct, hot, afternoon sun. During the summer months, when temperatures can become very warm, it is important to keep false Solomon's seal away from full or direct afternoon sun to prevent it from wilting.

pruning

False Solomon's Seal should be pruned in winter and midsummer to encourage abundant growth and bloom. In late winter, cut off old stems at the ground level, and any weak shoots that have grown too tall. In midsummer, prune any straggly stems and foliage to maintain the shape of the plant. After pruning, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy new growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

False Solomon's seal typically starts flowering in May.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Maianthemum stellatum is in July and August.

Hardiness Map