Solomon’s Seal does best in part shade to shade conditions with rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Personal Photo from Brookie LaVigne
About
Solomon's Seal is the common name for more than 60 identified species in the genus Polygonatum. It grows throughout the northern hemisphere and can be found in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Solomon's Seal stems are produced from rhizomes. Stems have pinnately compound leaves and small pairs of white bell-shaped flowers. Small round blackberries form after flowering. In autumn, the leaves turn lemon-yellow to brown and begin to wither away for winter.
Gardener Tips to Grow Solomon's Seal
Solomon's Seal does best in part shade to shade conditions with rich, moist, well-drained soil. Similar to conditions one would find in a forest which is where it naturally grows. It is drought tolerant, has few diseases, and insects and deer do not favor it.
Its rhizomes can be dug up in either spring or fall to transplant. When planting place the rhizomes in the ground horizontally and plant a few inches deep. Keep moist until it is established. Below is a Solomon's Seal rhizome.
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Solomon's Seal lends itself to many uses as well. It may be used medicinally to treat various ailments, the rhizomes can be ground and baked to make a type of bread, and then the small stems can be cooked and eaten like asparagus.
Where Does Its Name Originate From?
So how did Solomon's Seal get its name (it's common name at least!)? The rhizomes bear rounded scars where the previous years' stems arose. These scars resemble the two inverted triangles of King Solomon's Seal.
Written By: Penn State Extension Master Gardener Brookie LaVigne
