PlantWatch

Mayflower (Epigaea repens)

Photo by Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History

Also known as: trailing arbutus
French name: fleur de mai
Bloom time: April to May
Report for: NS

General: Often almost hidden by grass and fallen leaves, the mayflower is a low, woody evergreen that grows from long trailing stems with shallow fragile roots.

Leaves & Twigs: This plant has simple, shiny, dark green leaves which are oval in shape.

Flowers & Fruit: Pink-and-white, trumpet-shaped flowers form small clusters and have a spicy fragrance. The plant does not set seed every year, so it spreads very slowly.

Habitat: Mayflower is most common in rocky pastures, barren lands and grassy areas where the soil is acidic and well drained.

Sampling: Select a typical patch of plants, if the plants are very abundant, mark off a 1-metre-square section to observe.

To Observe:

• First bloom: when the first flowers are open in the observed plants.
• Mid bloom: when 50% of the flowers are open in the observed plants.