starry false Solomon'-seal, Maianthemum stellatum

Starry false Solomon's-seal is a native that is now occasionally planted in gardens, mostly in partial shade or in slightly damp areas. In days of yore, it was an important plant for native people from the Delaware to the Bella Coola, and likely all between. The berries were eaten or juiced. Medical uses were numerous, varied, and pretty much useless. The Kawaiisu mashed the roots and threw them in streams to stupify fish, which apparently does work. Starry false Sololomon's-seal grows everywhere on the continent except AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TX, and GL. It is endangered in KY, MD, and TN. Headlands Park, Emmet Co MI, 5/25/12. Lily-of-the-valley family, Convallariaceae.