The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: smooth Solomon's-seal, small Solomon's-seal

Family: Liliaceae (lily family)

Synonym: Polygonatum commutatum

Distribution: e. North America

Hardiness: USDA Zone 3

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

Comments: Small Solomon's-seal is an elegant plant with its zig-zag arching stems of smooth green leaves. It blooms from April to May, producing greenish yellow bell-shaped flowers that hang from the leaf axils all along the stem and beneath the leaves. The flowers are often paired and are followed by blue-black berries in autumn. The common name, "Solomon's-seal", is thought to come from the scar left on the rootstalk by the leaf stalk when it breaks away which is said to resemble the official seal of King Solomon. The rootstalk, or rhizome, is starchy and was used by the Native Americans for food. Plants grow up to 3 feet tall and are typically found in moist woods and thickets.