If you take a walk in the woods in May, you’ll often find a flower that resembles Lily of the Valley.
Canada Mayflower (Maianthemum canadense) is in the lily family and occurs from the forests of Canada to the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia.
Fortunately it’s not as aggressive as the Lilies of the Valley which have long since escaped my garden border and invaded the grass.
(photo by Dianne Machesney)
There are signs in Duff Park in Murrysville PA saying to be careful not to step on the Canada Mayflowers, but I didn’t see any when I was out there a week ago. I did see hundreds of Grandiflora Trillium, though, more than I’ve seen in any other parks close to Pittsburgh. There were also a lot of Geraniums and False Solomon’s Seal (and real Solomon’s Seal) when I was out there last week, and I saw some Wild Sarsaparilla and Star Chickweed. It’s really a great park for wildflowers.
This is the most common wildflower in the woods on my property. They are practically everywhere!
The name is so appropriate, since they bloom in May. Good to know this other name for them. I have always called them Wild Lily of the Valley.