Mertensia virginica en masse. — Mertensia virginica en masse. Photo © Mary Free

Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon’s-seal/Smooth Solomon’s Seal)

Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon’s-seal) flowers in April

Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon’s-seal) alternate leaves and zig-zag stem

Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon’s-seal) en masse at Thomas Jefferson Community Center in April

Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon’s-seal) bell-shaped flowers with 6 short, flaring lobes in May.

Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon’s-seal) buds and flowers on arching stem

Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon’s-seal) blue to black berries in September

Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon’s-seal) berries in September

Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon’s-seal) leaves in October

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Common in moist woods throughout much of the Mid-Atlantic, this native understory plant is noted for its graceful arching stems, dainty bell-like flowers, and conspicuous leaf veins. Its common name may come either from resemblance of rhizome scars (from break-away stalks) to the ancient Hebrew seal of King Solomon or from purported “wound sealing properties.” Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic Perennial Colony, Flowers, Fruit, Fall Foliage Height: 1–3 feet Spread: 1–11⁄2 feet Bloom Color: White or pale green Characteristics Upright, mounding herbaceous perennial with arching, unbranched stems up to 5 feet long Simple, opposite, parallel-veined, yellow-green leaves turn an attractive yellow in fall Greenish-white tubular flowers dangle in pairs (usually) along stalk from April to June Blue to black berries follow flowers Distinctive scars left when leaf stalks break away Slow spreading rhizomes may form colonies Attributes Tolerates wet soil and erosion; no serious pests or diseases; deer occasionally severely damage Berries are poisonous; only roots (digging rhizomes up kills plant) and young shoots are edible boiled Sometimes confused with false Solomon’s seal, which has upright flowers Attracts butterflies to nectar and birds to fruit Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Rich, acidic Light Requirements: Partial Shade, Shade Water Requirements: Dry, Moist Use in woodland gardens or naturalized areas; mix with ferns at the base of trees Hardiness: USDA Zones 3-8 Excellent Replacement for Hosta Non-native ferns developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Elaine Mills, Thomas Jefferson Community Center (top), Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, and Native Plant Garden at The Nature Conservancy

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon’s-seal or Smooth Solomon’s Seal)

Common in moist woods throughout much of the Mid-Atlantic, this native understory plant is noted for its graceful arching stems, dainty bell-like flowers, and conspicuous leaf veins. Its common name may come either from resemblance of rhizome scars (from break-away stalks) to the ancient Hebrew seal of King Solomon or from purported “wound sealing properties.”

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants:
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets

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