Three-leaved False Solomon's Seal

(Maianthemum trifolium)

 

   

 

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

 

Three-leaved False Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum trifolium (L.) Sloboda)

Identification: Flowers white, star-shaped, with 6 petals, arranged in a terminal raceme. Berries, when ripe, deep red. Leaves 3 (rarely 2 or 4), elongate, oval, the base tapering and slightly wrapping around the stem. A small plant 2 to 6 inches tall.

Distribution: Southeastern Canada, southward to Minnesota in the west and Pennsylvania and Ohio in the east.

Habitat: Three-leaved False Solomon's Seal is found in cool, wet woods and bogs.

Flowering period: May toAugust.

Similar Species: Three-leaved False Solomon's Seal might be mistaken for Canada Mayflower. The flower of Canada Mayflower has 4 petals (not 6). The base of the Canada Mayflower leave is indented and clasps the stem. The base of Three-leaved False Solomon's Seal tapers and sheathes the stem.

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