Solomon's Seal - Polygonatum

Solomon's Seal in yard off of Nakoma Road in Madison, Wisconsin on May 10, 2019.

Above: Solomon's Seal in yard off of Nakoma Road in Madison, Wisconsin on August 7, 2019.

Solomon's Seal - Polygonatum

The alternate leaves of Solomon's Seal are carried on long, upright to arching stems.

Polygonatums bloom with clusters of two or more small, bell-shaped flowers that dangle beneath the stems. The species name biflorum is the neuter form of Latin biflorus, meaning "having two flowers". Despite the name, the flower clusters often have more than two flowers.

Each bell-shaped flower is eventually replaced by a 1/4 inch berry that ripens from green to blue-black later in the season.

Other names include: Smooth Solomon's Seal, King Solomon's-seal, Great Solomon's Seal, Giant Solomon's Seal.

Above: Solomon's Seal in yard off of Nakoma Road in Madison, Wisconsin, Wisconsin on August 16, 2018.

Solomon's Seal
(Polygonatum Biflorum)
by Scottish author, Elizabeth Gordon

Solomon's Seal said, looking wise,

"Each may do somthing if he tries;

I feed the honey bees, the dears,

And keep a record of my years!"

For more information on Solomon's Seal, visit Wikipedia.

Or, visit the UW-Madison Master Gardener Program website page about Solomon's Seal.

Or, visit the UW-Madison Wisconsin State Herbarium website page about Solomon's Seal.