The sturdy stems of Solomon's seal rise from forest floor duff, somewhat stiffly, until they reach one-third, or so, of mature height. The stems then gracefully form an arch. The leaves are on the upper side of the stem, curving outward and down like lance-shaped wings of deep green.
Every time I see the foliage I think of a ballet dancer who took lessons a bit late in life. Graceful as they are, they somehow retain a touch of awkwardness in final form. I find that endearing. This grace makes them excellent plants for the formal shade or casual woodland garden.
Blooms are bell-shaped, composed of six petals, in stemmed clusters of two or more, and hang from the underside of the arched stem. The clusters are located where each leaf joins the stem. Our local Solomon's seal bloom in white to greenish-white.
The Name
The rhizomes of Solomon's seal are white and starchy, branching into "T's" or "Y' s" when mature. Current stems are formed on new rhizome growth. Where previous years stems joined the rhizome, a scar is left. Each year the plant heals itself, or seals leaving a scar.In past history, the ground roots were used to heal fresh battle wounds, broken bones and bruises. The new shoots were once cut and then boiled to be used in much the same manner as asparagus. The rootstock was also used in much the same manner as potatoes. The berries and seed, however, are poisonous, causing vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. Herbalist in many parts of the world use the roots of the Solomon's seal today. A quick search on the web, turned up a Chinese site selling the rhizome at $2.00 for eight ounces plus shipping.
The Locals
Polygonatum (po-lig-o-NAY-tum), or Solomon's seal, is found in our local woods with relative ease. There are three species, one of which is commonly found, and the other two are more difficult to locate.
 Polygonatum biflorum |
Polygonatum canaliculatum, the great or giant Solomon's seal, leaves little doubt as to its name when found in mature stands. Each stem reaches well over six feet in height. The ones in my garden easily obtain nine feet when in bloom and continue growing during the remainder of the season. I have measured eleven feet at just before frost on some stems. Flowers will be in clusters of two to ten hanging beneath leaves in proportion to the tall, heavy, stems. The berries are the same color as the other two species, maturing from a dark blue to a blue-black.
Cultivation in the Garden
Very few perennials come easier to grow in the shade or woodland garden than Solomon's seal. They are easily transplanted, adaptable, withstand root competition, and require a minimum of soil preparation and care. A good-sized colony forms in a reasonable length of time. Blooms appear during May on the two shorter species, early June on the giant, right on schedule in spite of what the local weather has to offer.Plant your Solomon's seal in an exposure similar to an edge of the woods environment. Plenty of bright light but protected from the hottest part of the sun 's journey. An eastern exposure would be ideal.
When preparing a bed for planting, work the soil to a depth of about eight to twelve inches. I usually dig in a good amount of fine hardwood mulch and rotted leaves to provide humus, keeping the soil on the loose side. I skip adding manure as most woodland plants do not need or want high amounts of nitrogen. Plant the rhizome almost level with the soil surface, covering them with no more than two inches of soil. Water in well, mulch, then stand back to watch them grow.
The Out-of-Towners
There are at least 60 species, some hybrids, and quite a few forms scattered around the temperate world to collect for your perennial shade garden. Europeans have long collected and cultivated the various species and forms, their nursery catalogs usually listing many little known here in the US. All of this is rapidly changing due to the Internet and China opening up to the botanical world. Polygonatum species, once more scarce than buckteeth in a barnyard rooster, are quickly becoming available to US gardeners. Just keep your eyes on the better catalogs and nurseries. Meanwhile, a list of favorites that have performed well in my garden for some years follows in order of easiest to locate.
 Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum', the variegated Solomon's seal |
 Polygonatum humile, the dwarf Japanese Solomon's seal |
 Polygonatum multiflorum, or European Solomon's seal |
P. x hybridum is a cross between P. multiflorum and P. odoratum, P. verticillatum has no common name, to the best of my knowledge