Hardy, herbaceous, North American wildflower
Description: Tiny, fragrant, creamy white flowers at the ends of the stems in showy, terminal, spirea-like racemes in spring, followed by greenish, fleshy berries that turn ruby red in summer through fall; gracefully arching foliage
Habit: Grows 2’ to 3’ tall and spreads to 2’
Culture: Prefers part sun and humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil
Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 3
Origin: North America
This handsome, clump-forming perennial member of the Asparagus family is widespread in rich forests throughout North America. Formerly known as Smilacena racemosa, it was introduced to European gardens by 1640 as “False Spikenard.” Other common names include Treacleberry, Feathery False Lily-of-the-Valley, and Solomon’s Plume. The unbranched, somewhat zigzag stems arise from large underground rhizomes and the large, shallowly furrowed leaves, which resemble true Solomon’s Seal, spread horizontally in two rows. This hardy species has no serious insect or disease problems and is best massed in naturalized plantings or woodland gardens.
This plant will ship bare root. Grade: #1.
Bare root planting tips:
~ If you can't plant immediately, store your plant in a cool location and keep the roots moist or pot in a container with a nursery potting mix from your local garden center.
~ Before planting, let the roots soak for several hours as you prepare the site. You'll want to dig a large enough hole so the root mass can spread out and the plant is at the same soil level as when it was growing in the nursery.
~ Once planted, water it in well and wait a month before fertilizing. Mulching will help to maintain moisture and raise soil temperatures for faster growth.