False Solomon's Seal

(Maianthemum racemosum)

 

   

 

Color Photographs: Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

False Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum racemosum (L.) Link)

Identification: Flowers white, star-shaped with six thin petals, arranged in a terminal panicle. Plant with white berries with brown spots later turning pink-red. Leaves elongate, oval with parallel veins and arranged alternatively along the stem. Leaves jointed by a short stalk to the stem. The plant reclines and all leaves are nearly parallel to the ground. The stem zig-zags slightly. Plant 1 to 3 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout North America.

Habitat: False Solomon's Seal is found in a variety of wooded habitats preferring wet or rich woods.

Flowering period: May to July.

Similar Species: False Solomon's Seal is most likely to be confused with Starry False Solomon's Seal. The leaves of Starry False Solomon's Seal are narrower than those of False Solomon's Seal and the bases clasp the stem. In addition the berries of Starry False Solomon's Seal are black, not white or pink-red. The flowers of the true Solomon's Seal arise from the leaf axils and are not arranged in a terminal panicle.

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