Solomon's Seal

(Polygonatum biflorum)

Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum biflorum (Walt.) Ell.)

Identification: Flowers green to green-cream white, arising from the leaf axils and hanging downwards in groups of one or two, in some varieties as high as 3 to 10. Flowers tubular opening at the apex. Berries blue-black. Leaves alternative, ovate-elongate. Plant 1 to 3 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout eastern and central North America.

Habitat: Solomon's Seal is usually found in rich woods, although it also occurs in thickets, along paths, and beside streams and ponds.

Flowering period: May to June.

Similar Species: Solomon's Seal is most likely to be confused with Hairy Solomon's Seal. Hairy Solomon's Seal has hairs along the veins on the bottom of the leaf. Solomon's Seal has the general leaf and stem form of False Solomon's Seal. The flowers of False Solomon's Seal are arranged in an apical cluster and do not hang in one's or two's from the axils of the leaves.

Note: A variety of Solomon's Seal (called Great Solomon's Seal) is larger than typical Solomon's Seal and the flowers hang in groups of as many as 3 to 10. This variety was treated as a separate species, but is now considered to be a synonym of Solomon's Seal.