Solomon's Seal

(Polygonatum biflorum)

Other Names:

King Solomon's Seal

Range:

Family:

Liliaceae – Lily family

Growth Type:

Perennial, herbaceous

Height:

Up to 3ft long

Leaves:

Alternate, parallel veined

Stem/Trunk:

Single stem, slender, gently bent

Root:

Rootstock stout, whitish with large circular "seals"

Flower Season:

April to June

Flower Appearance:

Drooping, whitish to yellowish-green, tubular or bell-like, 6 petaled, borne from a branched peduncle at each leaf stalk.

Seed/Fruit:

Bluish to black non-edible

Miscellaneous characteristics:

False Solomon's Seal Maianthemum racemosum appears similar at first glance, but upon closer inspection the differences are glaringly obvious. The flowers of False Solomon's Seal are borne in an umbel at the end of the stem, rather than at each leaf stalk like those of Solomon's Seal. The berries are speckled with gold at first, but ripen to a ruby-red. The rootstock of M. racemosum has circular "seals" like P. biflorum, but they are slender and yellowish in color.

When young, the stems of M. racemosum are considered edible, although I do not find them very appealing.

Habitat:

Rich woods

Parts Used:

Food: Young sprout, rootstock
Medicinal: Rootstock.

Culinary Uses:

Young shoots can be added to salads, or cooked and eaten as an asparagus substitute. The starchy rootstock can be eaten as a potato substitute.

Traditional Medicinal Uses:

This plant has been shown to be effective at treating indigestion, arthritis, cuts, bruises, sores, and lung ailments. It is said to also be effective at treating skin irritations.

Indications:

Indication

Medicinal Actions:

Anticatarrhal, Antitussive, Demulcent, Emollient, Expectorant