Wild Lily Of The Valley, False lily of the valley

Maianthemum dilatatum

Physical Characteristics

Maianthemum dilatatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from March to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - California to Alaska.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or dried for later use[118, 177]. The fruits are about the size of small peas and are produced in terminal clusters on the plants, they are not regarded very highly[256]. North American Indian children would eat the raw unripe green berries straight from the plant[256]. Adults would usually harvest the green berries and then store them in water until they turned red and were soft[256]. Alternatively they would dry the green berries and then boil them for a few minutes[256]. Young leaves - cooked[177].

Medicinal Uses

Infertility Ophthalmic Poultice TB A poultice made of the whole or the mashed leaves has been applied to boils, burns, cuts and wounds[257]. The fruit has been used as a good medicine in the treatment of tuberculosis[257]. The root has been chewed in order to correct sterility[257]. (This probably means to restore fertility[K]) An infusion of the pounded roots has been used as a wash for sore eyes, whilst the chewed roots have been used as a poultice on the eyes[257].

Known Hazards

None known