Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum biflorum
Solomon's seal is a graceful shade perennial with arching stems lined with paired leaves and dangling white bell flowers. It brings elegant structure to woodland gardens.
- Light
- Part to full shade
- Water
- Moderate; keep evenly moist
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Solomon's seal (Polygonatum) is a rhizomatous perennial beloved for its arching, unbranched stems hung with pairs of small, greenish-white, bell-shaped flowers in spring, followed by blue-black berries.
The foliage turns clear gold in autumn, and the elegant, horizontal stems add a refined, architectural quality to shady borders and woodland gardens. The common name refers to round scars on the rhizome said to resemble an official seal.
It is a long-lived, low-maintenance plant that slowly forms handsome colonies in the shade.
How to identify it
- Stems: Arching, unbranched stems 1-3 ft long (taller in some species), gracefully horizontal
- Leaves: Oval, ribbed, alternate leaves arranged neatly along the stem; clean and pleated-looking
- Flowers: Small, tubular, greenish-white bells dangling in pairs from the leaf axils along the underside of the stem in spring
- Fruit: Blue-black berries in late summer
- Variegated forms: Some cultivars have cream-edged leaves
Care & growing
- Light: Part to full shade; it is a classic woodland shade plant
- Water: Keep evenly moist, especially in drier shade; tolerates short dry spells once established
- Soil: Rich, humusy, well-drained soil high in organic matter
- Temperature: Hardy roughly USDA zones 3-8
- Feeding: Topdress with leaf mold or compost; little else needed
- Propagation: Easiest by dividing the rhizomes in early spring or fall; also from seed (slow)
Habitat & origin
Solomon's seal species are native to woodlands across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America (Polygonatum biflorum), Europe, and Asia, growing in shaded forests, woodland edges, and along streams.
In gardens it is a staple of shade and woodland plantings, naturalizing slowly under trees and in north-facing borders.
Uses & benefits
Ornamental: Elegant arching form and dangling flowers for shade and woodland gardens; foliage and stems are also valued as cut greenery.
Ecological: The spring flowers attract bees, and the berries are eaten by birds.
Historical/culinary: Young shoots of some species were historically cooked like asparagus and the rhizome used in folk medicine, but the berries are toxic, so home use is not advised.
Frequently asked questions
Will Solomon's seal grow in dry shade?
It prefers evenly moist, humus-rich soil but, once established, tolerates the dry shade beneath trees better than many perennials.
Are Solomon's seal berries poisonous?
Yes, the blue-black berries are toxic if eaten. Keep them away from children, though birds eat them safely.
How do I propagate Solomon's seal?
Divide the creeping rhizomes in early spring or fall, making sure each piece has a bud (eye). It establishes slowly but reliably.
Why is it called Solomon's seal?
The rhizome bears round, depressed scars where old stems detached, said to resemble the wax seal of King Solomon.
Solomon's Seal guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Solomon's Seal.
