When does Solomon's-plume bloom?

Solomon's-plume typically flowers in May and June, producing a plume-like cluster of small white blossoms at the tip of each arching stem.

What pollinators visit Solomon's-plume?

Bees and beetles are the main visitors to the small white flowers, drawn to the nectar and pollen produced in late spring.

What growing conditions does Solomon's-plume prefer?

This forb does best in part shade with medium, consistent soil moisture, similar to the dappled light and even moisture found under a deciduous woodland canopy.

Is Solomon's-plume evergreen?

No, it is deciduous. The arching leafy stems die back to the ground each fall and resprout from rhizomes in spring.

How is Solomon's-plume used in a garden setting?

It works well as a shade or woodland-edge perennial, planted in drifts under trees or shrubs where its arching form and spring blooms add texture to a part-shade bed.

Is Solomon's-plume HOA-friendly?

Solomon's-plume is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Solomon's-plume

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Maianthemum racemosum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Maianthemum racemosum, or Solomon's-plume, is a woodland forb that produces feathery white flower clusters in May and June and grows well in part shade with medium moisture.

Toxicity unknown

Solomon's-plume (Maianthemum racemosum) 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

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 8"–16" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Deer

Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)

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 452 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

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Solomon's-plume is an elegant native perennial with arching stems topped by feathery white flower clusters in late spring. The broad leaves create attractive groundcover in shaded areas, and small red berries follow the blooms in summer.

Growing Solomon's-plume

Grow Solomon's-plume in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 8 to 16 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Solomon's-plume is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

Dies back completely in winter

Wildlife value

The fragrant flowers attract native bees and beetles in May and June. Birds enjoy the small red berries that develop in late summer.

Common questions

When does Solomon's-plume bloom?: Solomon's-plume typically flowers in May and June, producing a plume-like cluster of small white blossoms at the tip of each arching stem.
What pollinators visit Solomon's-plume?: Bees and beetles are the main visitors to the small white flowers, drawn to the nectar and pollen produced in late spring.
What growing conditions does Solomon's-plume prefer?: This forb does best in part shade with medium, consistent soil moisture, similar to the dappled light and even moisture found under a deciduous woodland canopy.
Is Solomon's-plume evergreen?: No, it is deciduous. The arching leafy stems die back to the ground each fall and resprout from rhizomes in spring.
How is Solomon's-plume used in a garden setting?: It works well as a shade or woodland-edge perennial, planted in drifts under trees or shrubs where its arching form and spring blooms add texture to a part-shade bed.
Is Solomon's-plume HOA-friendly?: Solomon's-plume is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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

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