The name “Solomon’s seal” is believed to derive from the depressions found on the rhizome, which resemble the ancient seal of King Solomon. These markings are said to resemble a wax seal or the six-pointed Star of David, symbolizing wisdom and protection. Solomon’s seal is a genus of about 63 species of flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae,
subfamily Nolinoideae, with a native range spanning the temperate Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. The plants typically have arching stems, with alternate, ovate leaves, and small, bell-shaped flowers that hang in pairs or clusters from the leaf axils. The flowers are usually white or greenish-white and are followed by small blue or black berries.
The fruits are red, blue, or black berries. The berries are poisonous to humans.
The roots are thick, creeping rhizomes[1], often marked with circular scars from previous year’s stems, which give rise to the name Solomon’s seal. Solomon’s seal is a popular choice for shade gardens due to its graceful, arching stems and elegant foliage. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil, rich in organic matter, and can tolerate a range of soil pH levels. The plant prefers partial to full shade, making it an excellent addition to woodland gardens or shaded borders.
2 to 10 hanging, stalked flowers arising from most leaf axils. Each bell-shaped flower is ½ to 1 inch long and pale yellowish green with 6 short, flaring lobes. Stamens and styles are hidden inside the tube. The flowers are typically hidden under the leaves and may go unseen. Leaves are oval, toothless and hairless, 2 to 6 inches long and up to 3 inches wide with a pointed tip. The base of the leaf clasps the stem. Each leaf has several prominent parallel veins. The stem is unbranched, hairless, erect in the lower plant and arching as if top-heavy, and zig-zags some between the alternately attached leaves. Fruit is a ¼ inch round berry that ripens from green to blue-black in late summer.
Solomon’s seal is relatively low-maintenance and can naturalize over time, spreading by its rhizomes. It pairs well with other shade-loving plants such as ferns, hostas, and astilbes[2]. Regular watering during dry periods and mulching can help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool. Some species of Solomon’s seal, particularly Polygonatum biflorum and Polygonatum odoratum,
are edible and have been used in various culinary traditions. The young shoots can be cooked and eaten similarly to asparagus. The rhizomes, when properly prepared, have been used as a food source by indigenous peoples and in traditional Asian cuisines. However, caution is advised as the berries and other parts of the plant can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Solomon’s seal has a long history of use in traditional medicine.
Its rhizomes have been used for their anti-inflammatory, demulcent, and tonic properties. They are often utilized in the treatment of joint and connective tissue disorders, digestive issues, and respiratory conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) particularly values Solomon’s seal for its ability to “moisten dryness” and support the lungs and stomach. Herbal preparations may include teas, tinctures, and poultices.
Despite its medicinal benefits, it’s important to use Solomon’s seal under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider to avoid potential toxicity and side effects.
Footnotes
- Rhizomes are specialized underground stems that grow horizontally, enabling plants to spread and colonize new areas. Unlike roots, rhizomes have nodes and internodes, from which shoots and roots can develop. This structure allows plants to store nutrients and survive adverse conditions by generating new shoots from the nodes. Common examples of plants with rhizomes include ginger, bamboo, and certain types of grasses. Rhizomes play a crucial role in vegetative reproduction and plant resilience. [Back]
- Astilbes are perennial flowering plants belonging to the family Saxifragaceae, prized for their feathery plumes of flowers and lush, fern-like foliage. Native to Asia and North America, they thrive in moist, shady environments, making them ideal for woodland gardens and shaded borders. The flowers, which bloom in shades of pink, red, white, and purple, appear in late spring to early summer and are arranged in dense, upright clusters. Astilbes are low-maintenance plants that can enhance garden aesthetics with their vibrant colors and textures, and they are also popular for their ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. [Back]
Further Reading
Sources
- Missouri Botanical Garden. “Astilbe.” Missouri Botanical Garden.
- Wikipedia “Polygonatum” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygonatum
- The Spruce “How to Grow and Care for Solomon’s Seal” https://www.thespruce.com/solomons-seal-1402856
- Minnesota Wildflowers “Polygonatum biflorum (Smooth Solomon’s Seal)” https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/smooth-solomons-seal
- Milner Gardens & Woodland “Plant Pick: Solomon’s seal” https://milnergardens.viu.ca/plant-pick-solomons-seal
- NC State Extension “Polygonatum” https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/polygonatum/
- Growit Buildit The Blog “Solomon’s Seal, A Complete Guide To Polygonatum spp.” https://growitbuildit.com/solomons-seal-polygonatum-spp/
- Gardening Know How “Solomon’s Seal Info – Caring For A Solomon’s Seal Plant” https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/solomons-seal/caring-for-solomons-seal.htm
- Wildflower.org “Polygonatum biflorum” https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=pobi2
