Flora of the Southeastern United States

Intro: Erect-arching perennial of moist to dry forests.

Stems: Stems unbranched, smooth with a waxy feel, sometimes with sheathing bracts at base.

Leaves: Leaves alternate, sessile or clasping, lance-shaped to elliptic, 2-8 in. long, with prominent parallel veins, smooth, waxy-white beneath.

Inforescence:

Flowers: Flowers dangling below leaves on thin stalks from leaf axils, 1-5 flowers per axil; greenish white to yellow-green; 1/2-3/4 in. long; tubular and consisting of 6 tepal with spreading tips.

Fruits: Fruit a blue-black, round berry.

Comments: The similar but much larger P. biflorum var. commutatum has thicker stems, can reach heights of nearly 6 ft., and its flower stalks from lower leaf axils are strongly flattened.

Height: 1-3 ft.

plant sale text: Solomon's-seal is a choice southeastern native perennial. Its pairs of greenish-white bell shaped pendant flowers are very attractive when the plant is in bloom. Deep blue berries follow the flowers. Plant this species in moist, well-drained humusy soil to keep the foliage looking its best through the growing season. Plants in the Polygonatum genus have a history of use both for food and as medicine, by the Cherokee as well as by other Native American tribes.

bloom table text: The graceful arching stems of this native perennial may reach three feet in length. Although the foliage is similar to that of Solomon's-plume (Maianthemum racemosum), the two are easily distinguished by the position of the flowers. Solomon's-seal has greenish-white flowers that dangle in pairs under the leaves, while the white flowers of Solomon's-plume are borne in a cluster at the tip of the stem. One explanation for the common name is the plant's age-old use as a balm to seal fresh wounds. Another interpretation is that the circular scars which occur on the roots resemble the royal seal of King Solomon. Because a single scar is added to the root each year, the number of scars indicates the age of the plant.

description: Erect-arching perennial of moist to dry forests.

stems: Stems unbranched, smooth with a waxy feel, sometimes with sheathing bracts at base.

leaves: Leaves alternate, sessile or clasping, lance-shaped to elliptic, 2-8 in. long, with prominent parallel veins, smooth, waxy-white beneath.

inflorescence:

flowers: Flowers dangling below leaves on thin stalks from leaf axils, 1-5 flowers per axil; greenish white to yellow-green; 1/2-3/4 in. long; tubular and consisting of 6 tepal with spreading tips.

fruits: Fruit a blue-black, round berry.

comments: The similar but much larger P. biflorum var. commutatum has thicker stems, can reach heights of nearly 6 ft., and its flower stalks from lower leaf axils are strongly flattened.

cultural notes:

germination code:

native range: central & eastern North America