Wild Lily Of The Valley (Maianthemum dilatatum)

Family: Convallariaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Maianthemum dilatatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from March to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw or dried for later use. The fruits are about the size of small peas and are produced in terminal clusters on the plants, they are not regarded very highly. — Fruit - raw or dried for later use.; The fruits are about the size of small peas and are produced in terminal clusters on the plants, they are not regarded very highly.; North American Indian children would eat the raw unripe green berries straight from the plant.; Adults would usually harvest the green berries and then store them in water until they turned red and were soft.

Habitat & North American Range

Shaded or moist streambanks and open to dense coniferous and broadleaves woods if they are moist, in humus-rich slightly acid soils to 1000 metres. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)