Wild lily of the valley
Maianthemum dilatatum

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A low plant that keeps growing from year to year. The rhizome or underground stem is slender and branching. The stems are 10-25 cm tall. There are usually one leaf near the base and two near the top. The leaves are broad, smooth and heart shaped. The flowers are small and white. The flowers are in a cluster at the top of the plant. The fruit are round berries.

There are 35 Maianthemum species. Also put in the family Malvaceae, Convallariaceae and Liliaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in moist, shaded woods and swampy areas.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Canada, Korea, Mongolia, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten as casual foods.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Twoleaf false Solomon's seal

Synonyms

Maianthemum bifolium var. dilatatum Wood;