Mainthemum stellatum, May 31, 2022
Common & scientific name
Starry false lily of the valley, Maianthemum stellatum
Family
??? (see below)
Location
Between the winter gate and Weller, 8,750’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
Loves aspen groves above all, more delicate in its flower than its close relative, Maianthemum racemosum, False Solomon’s seal, and searching for a loving home. Different authorities place it in no less than four families or subfamilies: (1) Liliaceae, Lily, (2) Convallariaceae, Mayflower, (3) Asparagaceae, Asparagus, and (4) Ruscaceae, also Asparagus. Confused yet? Give it ten years and the experts will land on one!