Flower ID: IMG_1014.JPG-05-28-2022 Flower name (scientific): Maianthemum stellatum (Linnaeus) Link PY: 1821. Pronunciation guide: (phonetic spelling) may-AN-the-mum (or ma-AN-the-mum) stel-LA-tum (or stel-A-tum) Flower name (common): Starry False Solomon's Seal Family name (common): Asparagus Family name (scientific): Asparagaceae Scientific name origin: Genus: From the Greek Maius for May and anthemon for flower, based on the blooming season. Specific epithet: Latin for spreading rays, starlike. Common name origin: For the star-like appearance of the flowers. The other part possibly from the belief that markings on parts of the plant look like a royal seal. An alternative suggestion is that the roots were used to seal and close up wounds. The word false is used to indicate that this species is not Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon's Seal or Smooth Solomon's Seal) or perhaps one of the other species that have Solomon's Seal as part of the common name. Flower description: Size: 0.3 to 0.4 inches (8 to 10 mm) Petal count: 6 Color: white Other: flower arrangement, Raceme Plant description: Size: 12 to 30 inches (30 to 76 cm) Stem hairy: Other: Leaf description: attachment is alternate, type is simple Size: Color: Hairy: Other: Shape: leaf, ovate-elliptic to lanceolate (FNA), narrowly ovate (IL) Origin (native, introduced, invasive): Native Status (common, uncommon, threatened, rare): Uncommon Bloom time (typical): May to June Cycle (annual, biennial, perennial): Perennial Habitat: Woodlands, prairies, meadows, dry to moist, sandy to loamy soil, semi shade to sun. Fruit: Seed: Importance to wildlife: Similar species (if any): Ethnobotany: No recorded uses by tribes from Wisconsin. At least eight tribes used this plant to treat a number of ailments including stomach issues, leukorrhea, venereal disease, rheumatism, coughs, boils and swelling, eye issues, blood problems, and others. The fruit berries were also used as a food source by three tribes (Moerman, p. 332, 1998). Latitude: 44.804262 Longitude: -91.527088 Altitude: 238.00 Distribution: In Wisconsin: (Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Burnett, Calumet, Chippewa, Clark, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Door, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, Forest, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Kewaunee, La Crosse, Lafayette, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Milwaukee, Monroe, Oconto, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Sawyer, Shawano, Sheboygan, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vernon, Vilas, Walworth, Washburn, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago, Wood) Click here for distribution map In US: (AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY) Click here for distribution map In Canada: (AB, BC, LB, MB, NB, NF, NS, NT, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT) Click here for distribution map References: Synonym(s): Basionym: Convallaria stellata Linnaeus Sp. Pl. 1: 316. 1753 Homotypic Synonym(s): Heterotypic Synonym(s): Autonym: na Wetland Status (NC): FAC Wetland Status (MW): FAC