Japanese name: マイヅルソウ（舞鶴草） Scientific name:Maianthemum dilatatum
[Overview]
A perennial 8–25 cm tall, found in coniferous forests from the mountains to the subalpine zone.
The two leaves are alternate, simple, 3–7 cm long, and ovate-cordate.
The leaf margins have semicircular projections.
The petioles are 1.5–5 cm long, and their bases form sheaths that enclose the stem.
A raceme at the stem tip bears about 20 small white flowers.
There are 4 tepals, which are reflexed.
There are also 4 stamens.
The fruit is a spherical berry about 5 mm in diameter that ripens red.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by division.
It prefers well-drained, moisture-retentive soil that is moderately moist.
It is best kept in sun from autumn to spring and in partial shade in summer; in the ground, it is best planted under deciduous trees or the like.
Take care not to let it dry out; for potted plants, water thoroughly from spring to autumn when the soil surface dries, and do not let the soil dry out completely even during dormancy.
For plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient unless sunny weather continues in summer and the soil dries out.
In spring, apply slow-release fertilizer placed on the soil.
Pests include aphids and slugs.
