Feathery false lily-of-the-valley. This is a member of the lily family, but its flowers are certainly different from the other white colored members of the family.
Reminds me of some of the succulent flowers I’ve seen in the Botanic Gardens here in Melbourne.
Even reminiscent of the heaths or ericas when in full bloom.
As you say, not like a the normal lily at all.
It’s an interesting flower. I see similar elements in it in other flowers, but they are not of this size. The flower is actually very small compared to the rest of the plant which looks similar to hellebore.
If this is indeed Feathery false lily-of-the-valley (Maianthemum racemosum), then I think it belongs in the Asparagaceae (asparagus family), not Liliaceae (lily family). Both are monocots though.
They are fairly plentiful and widespread, but they favor forested areas where they get shade and blend in with the undergrowth. Have a great day tomorrow!
I’ve never heard of it and you’re right, I never would have guessed it was in the lily family by the flowers.
We have a false lily of the valley too but it’s actually Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense.)
USDA “Plants” show that one growing here too, but I’ve never seen it. We have a flower that looks close (Maianthemum stellatum), but the leaves are entirely different.
Whatever it is LILY IS LILY. U have made a great post. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Comment by nvsubbaraman — May 18, 2016 @ 9:56 pm
Thanks! It’s different, but still pretty!
LikeLike
Comment by montucky — May 18, 2016 @ 10:00 pm
Reminds me of some of the succulent flowers I’ve seen in the Botanic Gardens here in Melbourne.
Even reminiscent of the heaths or ericas when in full bloom.
As you say, not like a the normal lily at all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Comment by Vicki — May 18, 2016 @ 10:27 pm
It’s an interesting flower. I see similar elements in it in other flowers, but they are not of this size. The flower is actually very small compared to the rest of the plant which looks similar to hellebore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Comment by montucky — May 19, 2016 @ 8:55 am
I don’t think I’ve ever seen one. It’s beautiful. So complicated. Not just a few petals and that’s it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Comment by wordsfromanneli — May 19, 2016 @ 12:04 am
It must work because the plant is very plentiful where it grows. It also produces berries. The native people used it for many purposes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Comment by montucky — May 19, 2016 @ 8:56 am
Beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Comment by centralohionature — May 19, 2016 @ 3:24 am
Thanks!
LikeLike
Comment by montucky — May 19, 2016 @ 8:57 am
Lovely! You’re right, though – it looks like some kind of sea creature!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Comment by Jo Woolf — May 19, 2016 @ 6:32 am
I hadn’t thought of that, but it does indeed.
LikeLike
Comment by montucky — May 19, 2016 @ 9:00 am
If this is indeed Feathery false lily-of-the-valley (Maianthemum racemosum), then I think it belongs in the Asparagaceae (asparagus family), not Liliaceae (lily family). Both are monocots though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Comment by PSYL — May 19, 2016 @ 8:46 am
The information I have on the family is from the USDA “Plants” website.
LikeLike
Comment by montucky — May 19, 2016 @ 9:01 am
Good to know, then you’re probably correct then. It must have been updated since I first learned about this plant.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Comment by PSYL — May 19, 2016 @ 10:12 am
Hi Montucky, How unique! I have never seen one of these unusual-looking flowers. Great photo! Have a wonderful day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Comment by wildlifewatcher — May 19, 2016 @ 12:56 pm
They are fairly plentiful and widespread, but they favor forested areas where they get shade and blend in with the undergrowth. Have a great day tomorrow!
LikeLike
Comment by montucky — May 19, 2016 @ 7:46 pm
I’ve never heard of it and you’re right, I never would have guessed it was in the lily family by the flowers.
We have a false lily of the valley too but it’s actually Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Comment by New Hampshire Garden Solutions — May 19, 2016 @ 3:25 pm
USDA “Plants” show that one growing here too, but I’ve never seen it. We have a flower that looks close (Maianthemum stellatum), but the leaves are entirely different.
LikeLike
Comment by montucky — May 19, 2016 @ 7:54 pm
It’s truly a lily but it has “false” in its name 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Comment by Candace — May 20, 2016 @ 4:10 pm
I’ve never figured out exactly what the “false” means. There are severl flowers that have that in their names. They’re pretty anyway.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Comment by montucky — May 20, 2016 @ 6:31 pm
Very interesting – never seen one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Comment by Sartenada — May 25, 2016 @ 11:10 pm
They are quite common in this mountain area. I don’t know exactly what their range is.
LikeLike
Comment by montucky — May 26, 2016 @ 9:07 am