This is a family of woodland perennials from around most of the northern hemisphere, which includes some small plants as well as larger ones formerly called Smilacina (technically distinguished by having six tepals instead of four). They have loose sprays of many small white flowers, in many cases followed by red berries.

Maianthemum (Smilacina) bifolium known as the false lily of the valley, this endangered British native is an attractive, shade loving, mat forming perennial which has white flowers.