Trending: Solomon's plume (Maianthemum racemosum) — 876 observations this week
iNaturalist Community
Native Plants
Solomon's plume arching through a shaded woodland edge tells you the understory is intact — and planting it in your yard's dry shade provides both a nectar source for early pollinators and berries that migrating thrushes depend on in fall.
Solomon's plume is a native wildflower that grows in shady forests and produces clusters of tiny white flowers in spring followed by red-speckled berries in fall. This week, nearly 900 people across the country spotted and photographed it, making it one of the most-watched plants right now. That wave of observations helps scientists track when and where it's blooming — information that's increasingly important as spring arrival dates shift.
Key Findings
876 research-grade observations were submitted to iNaturalist in a single week, placing Solomon's plume among the top trending plant species.
The surge reflects peak spring bloom timing, when the species' arching stems and creamy flower plumes are most visible in eastern and central North American woodlands.
Citizen-science observation spikes like this contribute directly to phenology databases that track how flowering times are shifting with climate change.
chevron_right Technical Summary
Solomon's plume, a graceful native woodland wildflower, is surging in popularity on iNaturalist with 876 research-grade observations logged in a single week, signaling strong spring phenology activity across its range.
Abstract Preview
Solomon's plume is among the most observed plant species this week with 876 research-grade observations.
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
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Maianthemum racemosum, the treacleberry, feathery false lily of the valley, false Solomon's seal, Solomon's plume or false spikenard, is a species of flowering plant native to North America. It is a common, widespread plant with numerous common names and synonyms, known from every US state except...