False Solomon’s Seal Maianthemum spp. F.H. Wigg.
Description: Feathery False Solomon’s Seal, also called Feather False Lily of the Valley, and Starry False Solomon’s Seal, also called Starry False Lily of the Valley or Stellate Smilacina, are native, perennial rhizomatous herbaceous herbs in the Lily Family (Liliaceae). Stems are erect or reclining with tips directed upward, simple and 12”-39” and 2”-20” in length respectively. Leaves are 5-9 per stem, alternate, many-nerved, and sessile or clasping. Leaf blades are 2”-7⅞” long and pubescent to glabrous on the underneath side, and minutely hairy fringes along the margins of Feathery False Solomon’s Seal leaf blades. Flowers are in terminal racemes in Feathery False Solomon Seal and in panicles in Starry False Solomon’s Seal. The flower perianths (calyx and corolla) have 6 separate segments, are white or greenish white, and are distinct or nearly so. Flowers of both species have 6 stamens, and 3-chambered ovaries. The fruits are mottled, spherical berries that are up to ¼” in diameter, and that turn red at maturity. Flowering occurs from May through July. Distribution and Habitat: Feathery False Solomon’s Seal is found in oak-maple, pinyon-juniper, Douglas fir, limber pine, aspen, and spruce-fir communities at 4,500’10,600’ and is reported to occur in all Utah counties except Beaver, Emery, Garfield, Kane, Millard, Morgan, Piute, Rich, Tooele, and Wayne. Starry False Solomon’s Seal is found in moist areas and various plant communities at 3,700’-10,220’ and reported in all Utah counties. Both are widespread in North America. General Information: The young greens, fleshy rhizomes, and the ripe berries of Feathery False Solomon’s Seal were all eaten by Indians in various parts of Washington. The cooked rhizomes were also utilized as a poultice. Species Referenced: M. racemosum (L.) Link - Feathery False Solomon’s Seal MARA7 M. stellatum (L.) Link – Starry False Solomon’s Seal MAST4 122
LILIACEAE
MAIAN