Toxic Plant Known to be toxic - Berries are not considered highly poisonous but may cause stomach upset if eaten in quantity. Avoid consumption by children and pets.
Image of Maianthemum racemosum
Source: Donna Bos
Maianthemum racemosum
Maianthemum racemosum

Plant Names

image of Flowering plant
Maianthemum racemosum
Large False-solomon's Seal
Smilacine à grappes

Plant Characteristics

Bloom Colour: White Bloom Period: May - Jun
Max Height: 3.0 feet
Max Width: 2.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light Condition:
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Full shade Less than 2 or 3 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
plant spread by rhizome Spreads by rhizome
Landscape Uses:
woodland garden Suitable for woodland gardens
Ecological Benefits:
Bird friendly Supports birds
Tolerates:
Juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
Special Features and Considerations:

Seed and plant distribution status

No seeds available for this plant.
We currently accept seeds for this plant

Fun Facts

Large False Solomon’s Seal has arching stems lined with alternating leaves and topped with a plume-like cluster of small white flowers in late spring. After flowering, the plant produces clusters of berries that change from green to red as they mature. It grows naturally in rich deciduous forests and woodland edges. It prefers moist, organic-rich soil and is a reliable, long-lived woodland plant. It requires patience while establishing. It benefits from leaf mulch and woodland conditions. It can be divided in spring or fall once established.

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: Yes

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Maianthemum racemosum
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Atlantic Maritime
  • Boreal Plains
  • Montane Cordillera
  • Prairies
  • Boreal Shield
  • Pacific Maritime
  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Maianthemum racemosum

No butterfly data available for this plant.

Specialized Bees Supported by Maianthemum racemosum

No bee data available for this plant.

Complementary Plants

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Lonicera).1 (Non-Native Honeysuckle)
  • Astilbe (Astilbe)
  • Berberis (Barberry)

Sowing Information

Download Seed Envelope Labels (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
  • Sow anytime
  • Stratification conditions: Keep moist in fridge
  • Stratification duration: 2 years
  • Double dormancy required

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: September
  • Harvesting indicator:
    • Berries are ripen and easily fall off or have fallen off
  • Harvesting:
    • Put berries through strainer to separate seeds, then rinse with water
  • Seed viability test:
    • No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/8 teaspoon
  • Seed storage:
    • Keep moist and cool, in a ziploc bag, in the fridge, with the seeds in soil, paper towel or coffee filter, until donation
  • Cultivar: No, you can donate without knowing the source as there are only straight species
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Berries are not considered highly poisonous but may cause stomach upset if eaten in quantity. Avoid consumption by children and pets.