Polygonatum biflorum (Walter) Elliott var. commutatum (Schultes f.) Morong. Large Solomon's-seal, King Solomon's-seal. Phen: May-Jun; Sep-Oct. Hab: Moist forests, roadbanks. Dist: NH west to s. MB, south to SC, GA, MS, LA, and TX.

Origin/Endemic status: Native

Taxonomy Comments: There has been a wide divergence of opinion regarding the merits (and practicality) of distinguishing this taxon from typical P. biflorum, and the characters considered most reliable; the two taxa may differ in chromosome number and geographical distribution; they are not, however, always readily distinguished morphologically. I prefer to recognize this taxon as a variety. See references for additional discussion.

Synonymy: = Mi, NY, Va; = Polygonatum canaliculatum (Muhl. ex Willd.) Pursh – F, G, WV, misapplied; = Polygonatum commutatum (Schult.f.) A.Dietr. – Il, Ownbey (1944); = Salomonia commutata (Schult.f.) Britton – S13; < Polygonatum biflorum (Walter) Elliott – Ar, C, FNA26, K4, NE, Ok, RAB, Tn, Tx, W, Judd (2003); < Polygonatum biflorum (Walter) Elliott var. biflorum – K3; < Polygonatum biflorum (Walter) Elliott var. commutatum (Schult.f.) Morong – K1, Pa; < Polygonatum commutatum (Schult.f.) A.Dietr. – S

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Wetland Indicator Status:

• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACU (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
• Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACU (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
• Great Plains: FACU (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
• Midwest: FACU (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)
• Northcentral & Northeast: FACU (taxonomic split from wetland indicator species)

Heliophily: 4