Starry False Solomon’s Seal

Starry False Solomon’s Seal has attractive foilage, flowers, and berries that form a dense groundcover once established. The narrow oval-shaped leaves are about 3-12 cm long (2”-5”) and arranged alternately in 2 rows along the stem. A showy flower with bright white flowers and green, oval-shaped leaves that attract birds. It is paired well with hostas and ferns.

You might be interested in learning more about the Smooth Solomon’s Seal or the False Solomon’s Seal.

Quick Growing Guide

Botanical Name: Smilacina stellata or Maianthemum stellatum

Also Called: Star-Flowered Lily Of The Valley

En français: Smilacine étoilée

See More Plants in this Botanical Family:

• Asparagaceae

Colour:

• White

Blooms:

• Spring
• Summer

Sun / Shade:

• Shade

Water: Water inthe spring

Height:

• Up to 2 feet (60 cm)

Pollinators:

• Bees
• Birds
• Other

Hardiness Zones:

• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7

Care:

• Easy to Care and Grow

Also known as the “starry false lily of the valley,” white star-shaped flowers appear at the tips of leafy stems in June. They are followed by greenish berries with black stripes which ripen to dark red. The berries are eaten by woodland songbirds, including various woodland thrushes and the veery bird. These animals help to distribute the seeds. The berries are edible when ripe.

Where to Plant

In nature, Starry False Slomon’s Seal grows in clearings, borders, woods, savannas, prairies and moist areas. It prefers full to partial sun and moist to slightly dry soils. It will tolerate shade but flower production will be less. Companion plant suggestions include Native Ferns, Wild Ginger and other shade loving plants

Caring for Starry False Solomon’s Seal

Put mulch down such as woodchips or flax straw when planting to keep the weeds down until the plants fill the space. In autumn, let the falling leaves remain on the plants to top up the mulch every year.

Pruning Smilacine étoilée

In early autumn, propagate through division or seed. Rhizomes spread to produce colonies but are not considered invasive.

Edible and Medicinal Uses

The fruit, which is approximately the size of a pea, has a pleasant bitter-sweet flavour. The fruit is high in vitamin C and has been used to prevent scurvy. When eaten raw, the fruit is claimed to be laxative in big quantities, especially if you are not used to eating it, however thorough heating reduces this laxative effect.

As the new shoots sprout in the spring, they can be utilised as an asparagus alternative. Young shoots and leaves are cooked and eaten like greens.

The roots were used to flavour foods. The roots were chewed raw or used in syrups or teas to ease coughing.They were also used to treat burns and swelling as cataplasms. Native American cultures employed the roots of this species to heal stomach ailments, menstrual difficulties, and venereal disease.

Other

No serious diseases or pest issues.