May-lily
Maianthemum dilatatum
Last reviewed: September 2026
May-lily (Maianthemum dilatatum) is a perennial forb native to CA, ID, OR, WA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw small bees and flies.
Toxicity unknown
May-lily (Maianthemum dilatatum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–10" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, ID, OR, WA
Pollinators
small bees, flies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A rhizomatous forest-floor groundcover with heart-shaped glossy leaves that spreads into a dense, neat colony under tree canopy. Small white flower spikes in spring are followed by red berries in fall.
Growing May-lily
Grow May-lily in shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 10 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The fall berries are eaten by small mammals and birds, and the spring flowers support shade-tolerant bees and flies.
Common questions
- How much sun does May-lily need?
- May-lily grows best in shade conditions.
- When does May-lily bloom?
- May-lily blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is May-lily native?
- May-lily (Maianthemum dilatatum) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does May-lily attract?
- May-lily draws small bees and flies.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow May-lily? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.