Smilacina racemosa: Solomon's Plume for Fragrant Spring Blooms in Woodland Gardens

Solomon's Plume (Smilacina racemosa), syn. Maianthemum racemosum, is a shade-loving North American native perennial. It produces fragrant, creamy white flower plumes on arching stems in spring, followed by mottled berries that mature to deep red. Growing 1–3 feet tall and 1–3 feet wide with distinctly veined leaves, it forms clumps at a moderate pace. Perfect for woodland beds, shady borders, and native plantings.

Growing Conditions

Provide rich, humusy, moist but well-drained soil in part to full shade. Propagate by sowing seed in a cold frame when ripe, or divide in spring. Watch for leaf spots and rust.

Key Features at a Glance

• Height: 1–3 ft.
• Spread: 1–3 ft.
• Growth Habit: Clumping, Moderate
• Light: Part Shade to Full Shade
• Moisture: Medium
• Maintenance: Low
• Characteristics: Attracts Song Birds, Fragrant Flowers, Native, Self-Seeds, Showy Flowers, Showy Fruit
• Bloom Time: Spring, Late Spring
• Flower Color: White
• Uses: Beds, Borders, Ground Cover, Naturalizing, Shade, Woodland Garden
• Type: Perennials