Plant
Data Sheet
Maianthemum dilatatum
Species (common
name, Latin name) – False
lily-of-the-valley, two-leaves Solomons Seal, Maianthemum dilatatum
Range –
Climate,
elevation – Low to middle
elevations (Lowland to Montane Zones) (Pojar and Mackinnon 1994; Stewart 1994)
Local
occurrence (where, how common) – Very common in some areas throughout its range. Can be the dominant understory (Taylor
and Douglas, 1995).
Habitat preferences – Moist to
wet environments, usually shady woods and riverside areas (Pojar and Mackinnon 1994). Sometimes forms the dominant groundcover in
Sitka-spruce forests near the sea (Pojar and
Mackinnon, 1994). M. dilatatum grows in light (sandy), medium (loamy) and
heavy (clay) soils. The species prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline)
soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light
woodland). It requires moist soil.
Plant
strategy type/successional stage (stress-tolerator, competitor, weedy/colonizer, seral,
late successional) – Tolerant of deep shade (late successional). Can become
invasive under good conditions (Huxley 2001).
Associated
species – In Oregon
and Washington, common species associated with Maianthemum
dilatatum include sitka
spruce (Picea sitchensis),
swordfern (Polystichum
munitum),
May be collected
as: (seed, layered, divisions, etc.) – Seed or Divisions
Collection restrictions or guidelines –
Rhizomes can be collected in the fall or the spring and planted soon
after.
Seed germination
(needs dormancy breaking?) –
It can take up to 18 months for seeds of false lily-of-the-valley to
germinate.
Seed life (can be
stored, short shelf-life, long shelf-life) - Stored seed should be sown in late winter in a cold frame, it
might take 18 months to germinate.
Recommended seed storage conditions
Propagation
recommendations (plant seeds, vegetative parts, cuttings, etc.) – Planting
from seed and divisions have been successful.
Soil
or medium requirements (inoculum necessary?) – Plant in shady, moist to wet environments. Soil can range from sandy to clay and from
acidic to basic. Soil should be
hummus-rich (Royal BC Museum, 2003).
Installation form (form, potential for successful outcomes, cost) – If growing from seed, allow the seedlings to grow on in the pot for their first year, giving liquid feeds as necessary to ensure that they do not go hungry. Divide the plants into individual pots once they have died down in late summer. Grow them on in pots for another year or more until large enough to plant out (Fern, 2003).
This species is easily propagated
by rhizomes, which are just below the surface of the soil. The rhizomes should be dug up in fall and
divided, and then planted as soon as possible in their new home (Royal BC
Museum, 2003). Division can also be done as new growth commences in the spring.
Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it
is best to pot smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are
rooting well.
Recommended
planting density – Seeds are
best sown thinly it as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, it should
germinate in the spring. This plant can
easily become an invader.
Care requirements
after installed (water weekly, water once etc.) – When seedlings are
in pots for their first year, give them liquid feeds as necessary to ensure
that they do not go hungry. Overall,
this species does not require much care (Royal BC Museum, 2003).
Normal rate of growth or spread; lifespan – Once established, the false lily-of-the-valley can overwhelm the area. Since it reproduces by rhizomes, the plant can live a very long time and continue to vegetatively reproduce (Royal BC Museum, 2003).
Sources cited –
Fern, K. Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
Huxley. A. 1992. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press.
Pojar, J. and A. MacKinnon.
1994. Plants of the
Stewart, C. 1994. Wildflowers of the
Olympics and Cascades. Nature Education
Enterprises.
www.forestworld.com
Data compiled by
(student name and date) –
Daniela Shebitz