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Key characteristics

Family: Asparagaceae
Height: 6 to 12 in
Width: 12 to 24 in
Flower color: White, fragrant star-shaped flower clusters
Foliage color: Glossy medium to deep green, broad heart-shaped leaves
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Moderate to consistent moisture, prefers moist, humus-rich soils
Maintenance: Low, spreads slowly by rhizomes, thin colonies if needed to control spread
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 9
Wildlife: Bees, pollinating insects

Groundcovers

Maianthemum dilatatum

False Lily of the Valley

Maianthemum dilatatum forms spreading colonies of glossy, heart-shaped leaves with prominent veining and a soft, pleated texture. The foliage emerges fresh green and creates a dense ground layer well suited to shaded settings. In late spring, slender stalks rise above the leaves, carrying airy clusters of tiny white, star-like flowers with a light, sweet fragrance.

Blooming from late spring into early summer, this species is native to moist forests along the Pacific coast of North America and northeastern Asia.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moderate to consistent moisture, prefers moist, humus-rich soils

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Woodland Gardens
Native Gardens
Under Trees
Borders

Companion plants

Trilliums · Kalmias · Tiarellas · Ferns · Oxalis · Rodgersia

Design tip

Allow this woodland native to spread into broad colonies beneath trees where its lush foliage creates a natural green carpet. Layer evergreen shrubs, bold ferns, and contrasting leaf shapes to develop a peaceful woodland composition with depth, rhythm, and seasonal texture.