May EcoQuest Challenge

MAIANTHEMUM MAY

Maianthemum is a monocot genus including many spring-flowering forest herbs that prefer shaded, moist conditions. They are characterized by a zigzag stem in between alternating, simple leaves with parallel venation, and a terminal cluster of small white flowers. There are 3 native species of Maianthemum found in New York City: M. racemosum (false Solomon’s seal), M. canadense (Canada mayflower), and the rarer M. stellatum (starry Solomon’s seal). How many can you find?