Most botanists place these plants in Liliaceae (Lily Family).

Also see Prosartes and Streptopus.

Montane, subalpine. Woodlands. Spring.
Lower Stoner Mesa Trail, May 26, 2004.

Maianthemum amplexicaule, sometimes confused with Maianthemum stellatum and Streptopus fassettii,  can be distinguished by its broader leaves and tassel-like flower cluster.  It also tends to be more solitary, although fairly common in mid-altitude woods.  It thrives in moist locations where plants often grow quite robust and several feet tall.

Linnaeus named this species Convallaria racemosa in 1753, Desfontaines renamed it Smilacina racemosa in 1807, and Weber accepts the name, Maianthemum amplexicaule.  (Nuttall named the species Smilacina amplexicaulis in 1834.) 

"Maianthemum" means "May Flower" and "amplexicaule" describes the "clasping" of the stem by the leaves.

Montane, subalpine. Woodlands. Spring.
Lower Stoner Mesa Trail, May 26, 2004.

Montane, subalpine. Woodlands. Spring.
Lizard Head Trail, June 9, 2006.

Montane, subalpine. Woodlands. Spring.
West Mancos Trail, June 1, 2000.

Star Lily is common in the rich moist soils of Aspen woods where it often grows in large patches of dozens of plants.  It is especially noticeable on the uphill side of trails arching its tiny star-like flowers downhill toward hikers.

Linnaeus named this species Convallaria stellata in 1753, Desfontaines renamed it Smilacina stellata in 1807, and Link named it Maianthemum stellatum in 1821.

"Stellatum" is Latin for "Star".

Montane, subalpine. Woodlands. Spring.
Narraguinnep Natural Area, May 28, 2004.

In dark woods, plants can be few and scattered.

Montane, subalpine. Woodlands. Spring.
East Fork of the Dolores Trail, June 30, 2006.
North of Durango, May 29, 2007.

In more open woods plants abound.  Flowers are tiny and hard to see unless you are on your hands and knees, but the dozens of arching plants with pointed leaves are easily noticed -- and quite common.

Montane, subalpine. Woodlands. Spring.
Narraguinnep Natural Area, May 28, 2004.

Fresh flowers grow at the tip and ripening fruit (now yellow, but soon to be red), grows in the fading petals at the base of the raceme of flowers.

Montane, subalpine. Woodlands. Spring.
Prater Ridge Trail, June 17, 2006.

Ripening seed capsules.

Range map © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Eradicated
Questionable presence

Range map for Maianthemum amplexicaule (Maianthemum racemosum)

Range map for Maianthemum stellatum