Star-Flowered Lily Of The Valley

Smilacina stellata

Physical Characteristics

Smilacina stellata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

N. America - British Columbia to California and east to Virginia and Newfoundland.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Shoots Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[105, 161]. The fruit is about the size of a pea and is produced on the plant in small terminal clusters of about 2 - 8 berries[256]. It has a nice bitter-sweet flavour that is somewhat reminiscent of treacle[85, K]. The fruit is a good source of vitamin C, it has been used to prevent scurvy[213]. The fruit is said to be laxative in large quantities when eaten raw, especially if you are not used to eating it, though thorough cooking removes this laxative effect[K]. Young leaves - raw or cooked. The young shoots, as they emerge in spring, can be used as an asparagus substitute[85]. The young shoots and leaves are cooked and used as greens[212]. Root - cooked. It should be soaked in alkaline water first to get rid of a disagreeable taste[85, 213]. It can be eaten like potatoes[213].

Medicinal Uses

Vitamin C Star-flowered lily of the valley was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. A tea made from the roots is drunk to regulate menstrual disorders[213]. A decoction of the leaves is taken 2 - 3 times a day in the treatment of rheumatism and colds[257]. Half a cup of leaf tea drunk daily for a week by a woman is said to prevent conception[213, 257]. The root is analgesic, antiseptic, haemostatic, ophthalmic, stomachic and vulnerary[257]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of stomach complaints, internal pains and to regulate menstrual disorders[257]. The dried powdered root has been used in treating wounds and bleeding[213, 257]. The crushed root has been used as a poultice on sprains, boils, swellings and limbs affected by rheumatism[257]. The pulped root has been used as ear drops to treat ear aches[257]. An infusion of the roots has been used as a wash for inflamed eyes[257].

Known Hazards

None known