Wild Lily Of The Valley
Maianthemum dilatatum
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Pl. C1BB — Maianthemum dilatatum
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IOverview
Overview
Wild Lily of the Valley (Maianthemum dilatatum) is a perennial herb native to various regions in North America and Asia, including Alaska, British Columbia, California, and several areas in Japan. This plant thrives in partial sun to full shade with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 3-7 and reaches a height of about 0.2 meters. Known for its edible fruit and leaves, it is often found growing wild in forests and woodlands. Its distinctive feature lies in its clusters of small white flowers that give way to edible berries, making it both ornamental and useful as an edible plant.
Quick answers
What is Wild Lily Of The Valley?
Wild Lily of the Valley (Maianthemum dilatatum) is a perennial herb native to various regions in North America and Asia, including Alaska, British Columbia, California, and several areas in Japan. This plant thrives in partial sun to full shade with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Wild Lily of the Valley thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 3-7 and can be propagated through division. This perennial grows to about 0.2 meters tall and is a forb/herb. For best results, plant it in areas with moderate moisture and partial shade for optimal growth. The edible parts include the fruit and leaves.
Light
Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Wild Lily Of The Valley for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Wild Lily of the Valley in a partially shaded area, as it thrives in light to full shade.
- 1
What you'll need
Wild Lily of the Valley plants or divisions.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist and cool.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining, with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soils. Amend as needed for drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant divisions from existing plants in early spring or late fall. Plant at the same depth they were growing.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist during this period to help establish new roots.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch around plants to retain moisture. Avoid overwatering in poorly drained soils.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in early spring before new growth emerges.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, and neglecting to mulch are common pitfalls for beginners.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: The wild lily of the valley's leaves and fruits are edible. Typically, the young leaves are picked in spring and eaten raw or cooked as a potherb. The small berries can be consumed fresh or dried for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
18 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
18 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 18 native
Asia3 regions
native (3)JapanMongoliaSouth Korea
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Aleutian Is., Amur, British Columbia, California, Chita, Idaho, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Oregon, Primorye, Sakhalin, Yukon, Washington
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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