Massachusetts State Flower
Mayflower (common name)
Epigaea repens (scientific name)
Epigaea repens (scientific name)
Overview
The Mayflower is described as both a creeping plant and a low, spreading shrub related to Scottish heather but found in eastern North America. It grows in sandy or rocky soil, usually in wooded areas, and spreads along the ground under trees to form a dense mat. The woody stems grow more or less parallel to the ground and have reddish hairs. The oval, evergreen leaves alternate and also have hairs underneath. They’re deep green and shiny on top, but a rather lighter green below. Mayflowers have white or very light pink waxy blooms with a strong fragrance growing in small or large clusters at the ends of the branches.
The plants are not particularly showy. In fact, Mayflowers are often hidden by their own leaves, particularly early in the blooming season. The Mayflower produces nectar and is commonly visited by early queen bumblebees of several species. The flowers produce light-colored seed capsules that look like berries. These ripen at the end of summer.
Close-up
STATUS
Official
PHYSICAL DETAILS
Duration: Perennial
Plant: Round leathery leaves on low, spreading stems
Mature Height: 2 in (5 cm)
Flowering: March–May
Flowers: a half-inch or so long and nearly as wide at the mouth
Flower Color: White to pale pink
Leaves: 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) long alternating evergreen ovals
Fruit/Seed Color: pale yellow-orange to white and brown
Plant: Round leathery leaves on low, spreading stems
Mature Height: 2 in (5 cm)
Flowering: March–May
Flowers: a half-inch or so long and nearly as wide at the mouth
Flower Color: White to pale pink
Leaves: 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) long alternating evergreen ovals
Fruit/Seed Color: pale yellow-orange to white and brown
HABITAT
Location: Forests, under trees, or in clearings
Range: From Canada to Florida along the East Coast, and westward to Manitoba, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
Range: From Canada to Florida along the East Coast, and westward to Manitoba, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
TRIVIA
- Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish naturalist, gave the plant its scientific name, which means "running or creeping on the earth."
- Most sources attribute the common name to the Pilgrims, who supposedly named the flower after their ship.
Click to enlarge an image
Mayflower
Mayflower Showing Flowers and Leaves
Mayflower Seeds
| CLASSIFICATION | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Subkingdom: | Tracheobionta |
| Superdivision: | Spermatophyta |
| Division: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Subclass: | Dilleniidae |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Epigaea |
| Species: | E. repens |
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