Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Solomon's Seal has a preference toward partial sun and shaded woodland areas. It shows the best growth when in moist, rich, and acidic soils. Their water usage is low to moderate and their soil is most efficient when moist and well-drained. Those being their preferences, they also tolerate soil conditions that are dry and complete shade.

Growth Habit/Description:

Solomon's Seal typically grows anywhere from 2 ft to 5 ft in height and about 1ft to 2 ft wide. It has the potential to reach 7ft tall, though not likely. Leaves are a mid-green color and sit on long stems with small, tubular flowers that droop from the axils attached to them. Flowers that are predominantly white with green tips precede dark blue/purple berries. This flower usually takes 3 weeks to bloom.

Bloom Season:

Tiny, but long, white and green flowers bloom in late spring. They open at the tips where green coloring is displayed and hang from the leaf axils. In the summer, they are followed by a globoid berry that initially has green coloring and slowly transitions to a blue shade. In the fall, its flowers have varying shades of yellow.

Fall and/or Winter Interest?

Yes.  Solomon's Seal plants turn into a nice yellow shade during the fall , which adds a nice addition of color to shaded areas. As for winter, usually only the arched stem structures are visible, if any.

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes. Polygonatum biflorum is a host plant for the larvae of Black-Patched Clepsis moths (Clepsis melaleucera). It is also, notably, the host plant for the larvae of sawflies (Phymatocera racemosa, Phymatocera smilacinae), which aren't true caterpillars.

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes.   White-Tailed Deer are known to like  the foliage and top part of Solomon's Seal for consumption. The nectar and pollen attract primarily Halictid bees (Lasioglossum spp.), Anthophorid bees (Anthophora spp.), bumblebees, and Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds.  Many other insects feed on the foliage and other various areas of the Solomon's Seal, including aphids (Catamergus) and adult thrips (Ctenothrips bridwelli). The berries Solomon's Seal produces are consumed by the Greater Prairie Chicken.

Origin of Name: Its genus, Polygonatum, translates to "many knees" in English (derived from ancient greek) which can be attributed to the many joints on its rhizomes. The roots of Solomon's Seal also have impressions that look similar to the official seal of King Solomon,which is often an explaination used for the origin of its common name.

Related Plant Species:   Solomon's Seal contains less convallamarin than its close relative, Lily of the Valley, which contains high amounts of said compound. Due to this, it is not powerful enough to be curative to heart ailments like that of the Lily of the Valley, but is useful for general heart inconveniences.

Use For Food/Medicine:

It can heal sprains, bruising, arthritis, joint injuries, and lowerback pain. It can help treat dry coughs, digestive issues, postpartum recovery, and menstrual cramps. Its root is also consumed as it is sweet and non-poisonous like the rest of the plant (particularly its berries, though, minimal amounts are generally non-toxic).

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Database.  Austin (TX):   University of Texas--Austin.  Polygonatum biflorum. [Cited 2025, Sept 13].  Available from:  https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=POBI2 

Gardenia Creating Gardens.  c 2025. Polygonatum biflorum [Cited 2025, Sept 13].   Available from:  https://www.gardenia.net/plant/polygonatum-commutatum 

White Rabbit Institute of Healing. c 2014-2025. Solomon's Seal [Cited 2025, Sept 13]. Available from:

https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/solomons-seal/ 

Hilty, John. c 2002-2020.  Illinois Wildflowers. Solomon's Seal [Cited 2025, Sept 13].  Available from:  https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/solomon_seal.htm