Slim False Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum stellatum) Login         


        Description
  • EW Bloom Feb - Mare
  • This trail-side treat looks similar to the east coast Solomon's Seal.
  • You'll find it in moist woodlands, on stream banks and open slopes.
  • CA native
  • AKA Slim Solomon, Starry False Lily of the Valley, Starry False Solomon's Seal
  • Butcher's Broom Family (Ruscaceae)



This arching plant has attractive, smooth-edged, alternate leaves. Small, star-like flowers form a delicate accent at the top.



Clasping leaves open up on two sides of the stem, facing the sky and forming the distinctive Solomon's Seal look.



Reddish purple berries replace the flowers in the fall.

   Photo Gallery (58 ) click any picture to enlarge
    

This beautiful plant has [[alternate]], broad leaves - wide at the base and ending in a point. Deep, indented, parallel veins run along its length, m ...

Leaves join the stem without a stalk, sometimes wrapping around it a bit. Leaves orient themselves to the sun, forming a flat surface when the stem ...

Leaves have wavy edges and often fold in a bit. Near the top, the stem changes directions at each leaf [[node]]. You can easily see this in the le ...

The top of the stem turns into a simple [[raceme]] of flowers, each stalk ending in a single flower. The flowers are tiny, about 1/3" across. They ...

A mature [[inflorescence]] shows 5 to 15 flowers, separated on stalks that are longer than the flowers are wide. Just as with the upper leaves, the ...