The Canada mayflower (Mainanthemum canadense) is a small flower that is native to the northeast of North America.You may spot it in upland woods and clearings. But don’t say you weren’t warned: Once you see one, you begin to spot mayflower everywhere.
There’s good reason the Canada mayflower is so prolific: It can create carpeted colonies through its network of rhizomes, or extensive system of underground roots. Another well-known plant, bamboo, also makes use of this type of horizontal root system.
Canada mayflower is actually part of the lily family with leaves that appear heart-shaped as they clasp to the zig-zag pattern of the stem.
The Latin name translates to the “when, what and where” of the origins of this plant. Maius meaning “May”, anthemon meaning “flower” and canadense meaning “Canada.” In some circles, it is also called “bead ruby,” in reference to the red, edible fruits that develop in the fall.
True to its name, Canada mayflower first emerges around May. At first, one to three leaves come up from the ground tightly curled, giving it a spikey appearance. Only those plants that have two or more leaves will develop flowers. Larger clusters of the plant may pop up in places where the canopy opens and allows more sunlight to reach the forest floor.
Canada mayflower serves another purpose in the forest ecosystem. It acts as a form of sustenance for many woodland creatures. Slugs and moth larvae eat the leaves in the spring while grouse and small rodents feast on the juicy berries in autumn.
Canada mayflower is a welcome visual in the northwestern New Jersey landscape. If you’re out and about enjoying nature this time of year, keep your eyes peeled for these pretty, flowering plants.
Fun Facts About the Canada Mayflower
- Canada mayflower is native to the northeast of North America.
- Canada mayflower spreads through an underground network of roots and rhizomes.
- It is a member of the lily family.
- Canada mayflower produces red berries in the fall.
- Slugs and moths like to eat the leaves.
Jennifer has a Masters in Parks and Resource Management from Slippery Rock University. She worked as a Park Naturalist for Hunterdon County Park System from 2003-2006 and then at the NJSOC full-time from 2006 - 2020, starting as the Program Coordinator and evolving to an Environmental Educator. Jen is a New Jersey native and has lived in Warren County with her family since 2004. She is excited to be offering programs to this community she has grown to love.
- Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalisthttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jennifer-correa-kruegel-warren-county-naturalist/
- Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalisthttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jennifer-correa-kruegel-warren-county-naturalist/
- Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalisthttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jennifer-correa-kruegel-warren-county-naturalist/
- Jennifer Correa-Kruegel, Warren County Naturalisthttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jennifer-correa-kruegel-warren-county-naturalist/
