PlantWatch

Solomon's seal, Star-flowered (Maianthemum stellatum, formerly Smilacina stellata)

Photo by Sandy Myers

Also known as: Solomon plume, wild spikenard
French name: smilacine étoilée
Bloom time: May to June
Report for: AB

General: An elegant wildflower (15–60 cm) with tall, arching stems.

Leaves & Twigs: The narrow, grey-green leaves have long, noticeable veins. Leaf size and shape can vary, depending on where the plant is located. In bright light, the leaves are stiff; in shade, they are limp but tend to grow larger.

Flowers & Fruit: The white flowers (up to 6 mm wide) have six petals, and form a loose group at the end of each leafy stem. Berries are greenish with dark stripes, before turning red, and then nearly black, in early fall.

Habitat: Prefers woodlands, open meadows and shores of sandy marshes.

Sampling: Select a typical patch of plants, if the plants are very abundant, mark off a 1-metre-square section to observe.

To Observe:

• First bloom: when the first flowers are open in the observed plants
  Mid bloom: when 50% of the flowers are open in the observed plants