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Key characteristics

Family: Asparagaceae
Height: 12 to 18 inches tall
Width: Spreads slowly via rhizomes to form clumps
Flower color: White
Foliage color: Green
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium; prefers moist, well-draining soil
Maintenance: Low; remove old foliage in late fall or early spring
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 8
Wildlife: The flowers attract bees and butterflies. The berries are attractive to birds but are toxic to humans and many animals.

Groundcovers

Maianthemum stellatatum

Starry False Lily-of-the-Valley

Maianthemum stellatum, commonly known as starry false lily-of-the-valley, is a perennial plant valued for its delicate white flowers and graceful foliage. Native to western North America, it features arching stems with glossy, lance-shaped leaves arranged alternately along the stem, displaying a distinctive parallel veining pattern. In late spring to early summer, clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers appear at the tips of the stems, adding an airy elegance above the bright green foliage.

Light

Part shade to full shade

Water

Medium; prefers moist, well-draining soil

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Woodland Gardens
Native Gardens
Under Trees
Borders

Companion plants

Trilliums · Rhododendrons · Hellebores · Primroses · Oxalis · Rodgersia

Design tip

Plant this woodland native in broad colonies beneath trees where its graceful stems can weave naturally through the landscape. Surround it with evergreen shrubs, layered perennials, and bold fern textures to create a serene planting with depth, rhythm, and seasonal interest.