Find a plant:


{name}

OR Browse All Plants


Genus Polygonatum (Solomon's seal)

Polygonatum Polygonatum biflorum Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais
pol-ig-on-AY-tum Common Name: Solomon's seal
These rhizomatous perennials are well suited to woodlands, shady borders, and rock gardens. Most species are cultivated for the arching foliage that has distinctive, parallel-veined leaves. The pendulous flowers are tubular and usually hang from the underside of the stem; most are followed by spherical black or red fruits. Some species are native to North America. All parts of the plant may cause irritation if ingested.
 Noteworthy characteristics: The foliage is comprised of rhythmic leaves that create exceptional texture when mingled with neighboring plants. 
 Care: Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full to partial shade.
 Propagation: Sow seed in autumn in a cold frame; divide in autumn or spring.
 Problems: Slugs, sawfly larvae.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Polygonatum

Polygonatum biflorum Polygonatum biflorum
(Small Solomon's seal, Solomon's seal) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

From late spring into summer, this species bears tubular greenish-white flowers that dangle underneath the arching stems. The foliage is smooth; in autumn it turns to clear yellow, contrasting with the blue-black berries this plant produces. Its height varies wildly from 1.5 to 6 feet tall.
Polygonatum humile Polygonatum humile
(Solomon's seal) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Polygonatum humile is an upright, rhizomatous perennial native to eastern Europe and western Asia. Ovate leaves are arranged alternately on the stems. Pendent, tubular white flowers hang like little bells from the leaf axils, followed by round bluish-black fruit. Grow in a shady border, rock garden, or woodland.
Polygonatum odoratum Polygonatum odoratum
(Fragrant Solomon’s seal, Solomon’s seal) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

From late spring to early summer, this species bears pendent, green-tipped white flowers along arching stems. These mature into spherical black fruit in autumn, when the foliage turns yellow.