In the present day’s featured plant is Canada Mayflower, Maianthemum canadense. We’re sharing tips on how to establish and use this North American native wildflower.
Vary and Identification of Canada Mayflower
Canada Mayflower is native to North America. It is discovered all through Canada, even into the arctic reaches, and in a lot of the northern and jap of the USA. It prefers shade, and coves forest flooring in each deciduous and conifer woodlands.
Canada mayflower is a perennial, so it comes again yr after yr. It spreads by rhizome, so a patch of “crops” may very well all be linked to a single root system.
The article A Most Widespread Wilding sings the praises of Canada mayflower as a local groundcover for shade. It adapts to nearly any soil kind and associates with a variety of different plant species and ecosystems.
Vegetation are low rising, solely 2-6 inches in peak (5-15 cm). We discovered them sprinkled on the forest edge and carpeting small clearing on the forest ground. Most crops could have solely 2 leaves, though some could have three.
The stems zigzag between the alternating leaves, ends in a cluster of small white flowers on the high of the plant. Leaves are lance formed and shiny, as much as 3″ lengthy and a pair of″ throughout.
Flowers and Berries
The flowers are small and white. They’re tiny, just one/6 of an inch (.4 cm) throughout. Flowers are star formed, with two petals and two petal like sepals, and 4 stamens.
They remind me of tiny explosions on the finish of the stems. The form creates a a lot softer define than their usually domesticated kin (true lily of the valley) with its neat bell shapes.
Like its cousin true lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), false lily of the valley flowers are very aromatic. I snipped a plant after we have been taking photographs and introduced it inside to take pleasure in.
They bloom from later spring into early summer time. Inexperienced berries that flip a boring purple with boring white speckles comply with the blossoms. Every berry sometimes incorporates two seeds.
Wildlife Habitat
Small bees, flies and beetles go to for pollen, however the crops don’t have any nectar. Birds and small mammals eat the berries, together with Ruffed Grouse, White-Footed Mouse, and Jap Chipmunk. (supply)
Meals and Medicinal Use of Canada Mayflower
The e-book “Wild Jams and Jellies: Scrumptious Recipes Utilizing 75 Wild Edibles” says that the whole plant is edible. Nonetheless, it solely consists of recipes using the totally ripened berries.
I’ve not come throughout one other reference that discusses consuming the whole plant, and an article at borealforest.org notes: “Though the berries are edible, they are typically bitter and will induce diarrhea.” I believe that the important thing to palatability is ensuring that the berries are totally ripe and in good situation.
The Wild Jams and Jellies e-book states that, “The ripened berries are tart, acidic, and fleshy and have a taste of cranberries. The fruit incorporates excessive concentrations of nutritional vitamins A and C.” It gives three Canada mayflower jelly recipes, one preserve, one ginger sauce and directions for drying.
The Yard Herbalist has a number of Canada mayflower recipes, together with Canada mayflower jelly.
Canada Mayflower Jelly
Elements
1 quart berries
1 cup sugar per cup of juice
3 oz liquid pectinInstructions
Use totally ripened berries and none which are puckered or dehydrated. Wash and stem berries and place in a saucepan. Add a little bit water, then cowl and cook dinner over a reasonable warmth until the fruit pops.
Take away from warmth and pressure by way of a jelly bag. Measure juice and add sugar as above. Convey to a boil and add the pectin and boil for 1 full minute whereas stirring continuously.
Skim off foam, pour into scorching, sterile jelly jars. Seal and course of for 10 minutes in a boiling water bathtub canner.
2bntheWild.com websites the plant’s historic medicinal use:
Native Individuals used the plant for headache and sore throats. Used as an expectorant by people healers. A root or complete plant tea is used.
This text is for basic info solely. At all times train warning when utilizing any wild crops and be sure to have positively recognized the plant. Though uncommon, typically allergic reactions can occur, as with every meals merchandise or new substance you encounter.
Different Widespread Names and Associated Species
Different frequent names of Maianthemum canadense embody:
- False Lily of the Valley
- Canadian Might-lily
- Canadian Lily-of-the-valley
- Wild Lily-of-the-valley
- Two-leaved Solomonseal
- Bead Ruby
- Canada Beadruby
- Squirrel Berry (Finland)
- Muguet
There are a number of associated species, together with:
- Maianthemum racemosum
- feathery false lily of the valley
- Maianthemum dilatatum, false lily of the valley
- Maianthemum stellatum, starry false lily of the valley
Extra Details about Wild Vegetation
This text is a part of the Weekly Weeder sequence, the place share tips on how to use frequent wild crops. You’ll be able to view the whole sequence on the Herbs and Wildcrafting web page.
Articles embody:
This text is written by Laurie Neverman. Laurie was raised on a small dairy farm in northwest Wisconsin, the place she gathered wildflowers from the woods and pastures. She and her household now dwell in northeast Wisconsin, the place they mix intentional plantings and semi-wild areas. Each season is a brand new alternative to be taught extra about working with wild crops.
Initially posted in 2014, final up to date in 2024.
