False Lily of the Valley
This luscious woodland groundcover will flourish into a continuous blanket of rich green leaves when planted in moist shady areas with mature soils. Clusters of creamy white blooms float above its broad leaves on a central stalk and eventually mature into unique, attractive bright red berries.
Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous, perennial, herbaceous plant
Size at maturity: 12" tall, groundcover that spreads laterally
Light requirements: full shade, part sun/part shade
Moisture requirements: moist soil
Bloom time: May - July
Growth rate/ease: medium growth rate, easy to grow
Wildlife support: flowers attract and support bees and other insect pollinators; overall plant attracts and supports beneficial pest eating insects
Native habitat/range: grows near streams and bogs, damp woods under trees up to 1300m, across Western Oregon north to Alaska and south into California. Portland Plant List - yes.
Special features & uses: groundcover; landscape uses include pollinator gardens, woodland gardens, and raingardens
Gardening with False Lily-of-the-Valley: This sweet little plant spreads by rhizome into a continuous groundcover in moist soils that are high in organic matter. It even tolerates very wet soils in winter, making it a great choice for a shady raingarden. Infrequent water in summer (i.e. once every two weeks) may be needed if soils are too dry.
