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Solomon's Seal

Polygonatum biflorum

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Category
Forb / Wildflower
Sun
Full to Shade
Soil moisture
Medium to Medium-Dry
Bloom time
May–Jun
Bloom color
Cream
Notes
Rhizomatous, Blue-black fruit

About Solomon's Seal

Solomon's Seal is a classic woodland perennial prized for its elegant, arching stems and sophisticated architectural form. Reaching heights of 1 to 3 feet, the unbranched stems are lined with alternating, oval-shaped leaves that turn a beautiful golden-yellow in the autumn. In April to June, pairs of creamy white, bell-shaped flowers dangle gracefully from the leaf axils, providing nectar for bumblebees and hummingbirds. These blooms are followed by attractive blue-black berries that persist into late summer, offering food for woodland birds. The plant’s common name refers to the seal-like scars found on its thick, white rhizomes, which represent each year’s growth. Native to rich, moist forests and thickets throughout much of North America, Solomon's Seal is a quintessential shade plant that thrives in cool, organic soils. It is incredibly easy to grow and will slowly colonize an area, making it a perfect choice for naturalizing in woodland gardens or adding height and texture to shaded borders. For the best display, plant it in a location with dappled sunlight or deep shade and ensure the soil remains consistently moist.

Native range

Native to 41 states:

AlabamaArkansasConnecticutD.C.DelawareFloridaGeorgiaIowaIllinoisIndianaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMassachusettsMarylandMaineMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMississippiMontanaNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNebraskaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasVirginiaVermontWisconsinWest VirginiaWyoming

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Polygonatum biflorum

Range map courtesy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program).

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