Posted by
ILPARW (southeast Pennsylvania - Zone 6b) on Jan 28, 2019 10:21 AM concerning plant:
Someone gave me a few clumps from their yard. I grew these Small Solomon's-Seal along the chain link fence along the sidewalk under the large, old American Linden tree on the north side of the small side yard that I had at my second house in the west suburbs of Chicago in the 1990's. It did well and did not invade the tiny lawn right south of it and made a nice, easy, informal, arching perennial. Unfortunately, the next owners of the house killed off every tree, shrub, or perennial I ever planted on the small property; some people don't like gardening.
Posted by
SongofJoy (Clarksville, TN - Zone 6b) on Jan 15, 2012 6:25 AM concerning plant:
Solomon's Seal is a common wildflower of moist eastern woods. Its arching stems with paired leaves are held parallel to the ground, and the flowers are bell-shaped, white, and pendant. The mature stems can arch up to 6 feet in height although 3 feet is more likely. Plants spread slowly and increase by means of knotty rhizomes(Polygonatum comes from poly-gonu meaning many knee joints). A mature clump can be quite handsome. Use this plant where you can appreciate the pretty flowers and blue berries and where its bold architectural qualities are needed. Flowering is in late spring, fruiting is in late summer, and plants turn brownish-yellow before disappearing for winter.
Posted by
jmorth (central Illinois) on Oct 25, 2011 6:03 PM concerning plant:
Boiled young shoots are said to taste like asparagus; the starchy rootstocks as a potato substitute.
Posted by
ILPARW (southeast Pennsylvania - Zone 6b) on Jan 28, 2019 10:10 AM concerning plant:
This is a larger plant with larger, coarser leaves than the more common Small Solomon's-Seal. It ranges from 2 to 8 feet high, but is usually over 4 feet high. It grows in rich woods, riverbanks, and thickets from southern Manitoba into New England then south into the upper South. Flowers and fruit are in clusters of 2 to 10. It makes a nice informal perennial in shady to partly shady places. It spreads by thick, white underground rhizomes. It is sold by some native plant nurseries.
Posted by
threegardeners (Brockville, Ontario, Canada - Zone 5a) on Oct 26, 2011 3:37 PM concerning plant:
This plant can be found growing in the wild in moist woodland areas. It likes moist, cool, air.
Great Solomon's Seal is endangered in some US States.
The ground up rhizomes (root) of this plant are still used by herbalists to help heal fresh wounds and bruises.
Berries and seed are poisonous.
