Similarities and differences of morphology, phenology, and habitat in Maianthemum canadense and Smilacina trifolia.

Abstract

Based on information about the morphology, phenology, and habitats as well as observations at six Michigan locations I have come to the following conclusions: 1. Both Maianthemum canadense and Smilacina trifolia can grow over a wide range of pH as illustrated by calciphile and acidophile associates. 2. Maianthemum canadense can grow in open, partially shaded, and completely shaded locations while Smilacina trifolia was only observed growing in partially and completely shaded areas. 3. Maianthemum canadense can grow on both bare mineral soil and organic material, while Smilacina trifolia was observed growing only on organic material. 4. Maianthemum canadense grows on very dry sites to wet sites not inundated by water, where as Smilacina trifolia can only grow on wet sites, but not in standing water. 5. Maianthemum canadense can grow in early to late successional forests and in raltively disturbed areas, while Smilacina trifolia grew only in relatively undisturbed peatlands and swamps.