(Western Solomon’s Seal)

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Maianthemum racemosum ssp. amplexicaule, Lower Cataract Lake 1222

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Maianthemum racemosum ssp. amplexicaule, Lower Cataract Lake 1227

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Maianthemum racemosum ssp. amplexicaule, Lower Cataract Lake 5305

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Maianthemum racemosum ssp. amplexicaule, Lower Cataract Lake 1238

Scientific Name Maianthemum racemosum ssp. amplexicaule (Smilacina racemosa) USDA PLANTS Symbol MARAA
Common Name Western Solomon's Seal, Feathery False Lily of the Valley ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 524296
Family Asparagaceae (Asparagus) (formerly Ruscaceae) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills to subalpine (6000 to 10500 ft.); moist shady areas in open woodlands and along streambanks.
Plant: Perennial with erect stems 12 to 36 inches tall.
Leaves: Seven to 12 stem leaves 2 to 8 inches long, alternate, clasping or sessile, stalkless, or short-stalked; oblong-elliptic to ovate shape.
Inflorescence: Branched, oval- or pyramid-shaped, terminal panicle of many (70 to 250), spreading, short-stalked white flowers, 2 to 5 inches long; each flower less than 1/3-inch across with 6 white tepals and 6 stamens longer/wider than tepals.
Bloom Period: May to July.
Fruit: Berries initially green becoming red, spherical or 3-lobed, less than 1/4-inch across. References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Flora of North America and e-Flora BC.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains