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Threeleaf False Lily Of The Valley

Maianthemum trifolium

Last reviewed: August 2026

Threeleaf False Lily Of The Valley (Maianthemum trifolium)
Photo: (c) Superior National Forest, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Threeleaf False Lily Of The Valley (Maianthemum trifolium) 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

4"–12" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CT, MA, ME, MI and 9 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 445 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

Northern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainRidge and ValleyAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Threeleaf false lily of the valley is a low-growing native perennial that forms spreading colonies in partial shade. It produces small white flowers in late spring followed by red berries, with distinctive three-leaflet foliage that creates attractive groundcover.

In an HOA neighborhood

Threeleaf False Lily Of The Valley takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Very informal woodland appearance
  • Spreads aggressively and can look wild
  • May appear weedy to conventional landscaping standards

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract native bees and beetles during its May-June bloom period. The red berries provide food for birds and small wildlife later in the season.

Common questions

How much sun does Threeleaf False Lily Of The Valley need?
Threeleaf False Lily Of The Valley grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Threeleaf False Lily Of The Valley bloom?
Threeleaf False Lily Of The Valley blooms in May and June.
Where is Threeleaf False Lily Of The Valley native?
Threeleaf False Lily Of The Valley (Maianthemum trifolium) is native to CT, MA, ME, MI and 9 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Threeleaf False Lily Of The Valley attract?
Threeleaf False Lily Of The Valley draws bees and beetles.
Is Threeleaf False Lily Of The Valley HOA-friendly?
Threeleaf False Lily Of The Valley takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

Ready to grow Threeleaf False Lily Of The Valley? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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