Maianthemum dilatum |
Native Region: Pacific Northwest (Queen Charlotte Island collected)
Zone Range: 4-8
Preferred Climate: Semi sun to shade; well draining humus rich soil.
Harvest Date: Saturday 05 November, 2011
Seed count: 15-20
Description:
This beautiful native lily with glossy heart shaped leaves grows to 15 cm tall. Flowering stalks of small white blooms appear in late Spring and are followed by small perfectly round berries of bright green with irregular maroon markings. When growing in the right spot, makes an effective herbaceous groundcover. Bright yellow Autumn colour.
Notes:
The best colonies of this plant I've seen grow under tall conifers and deciduous trees. Can withstand half day of full sun. Spreads by rhizomes and by seed. Berries are often taken by birds. Once an important First Nations food and medicinal plant. If you are looking for a native substitute for Hosta, this is it. Grows well with Gautheria, Cornus, and Fragaria.
Cultivation:
Soak seed 24 hours, sow in a sandy peat sowing layer, press seed into medium. Cover lightly with sand. Top off with 1 cm layer of fine mulch or moss. May take 18 months to germinate. Sow in pots for better results. Prefers evenly moist well draining soil with some shade. Hates water logged sites. Loves growing en masse.
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