Epigaea repens (mayflower/trailing arbutus)
 
The state flower of Massachusetts is the fragrant Mayflower, Epigaea repens. Epigaea repens means ‘“trailing upon the earth” which describes its growth habit well. The common name “Mayflower” was apparently given to the plant by newly arriving colonists because it reminded them of the European Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) which they called “mayflower”. Just to confuse the subject, our Mayflower is sometimes referred to as the “wild Lily of the Valley”. Plant this instead of the non-native Lily of the Valley! 
 
This evergreen groundcover is technically a sub-shrub and needs just the right spot to thrive. Preferably evenly moist but well drained acidic soil and dappled shade. Once established it will last a long time but getting there can be difficult.
 
The main visitors to the pale pink to white flowers are our native bumblebees. Mayflower is a larval host plant for the Hoary Elfin butterfly.
 
Plants can be purchased in-person or online (with in-person pick-up). All online orders will be ready for pick-up 24-72 hours after purchase. You will receive an email to let you know when your order is ready. We kindly ask that you pick-up any orders within one week of purchase.