Polygonatum

Polygonatum Solomon's seal

Solomon's seal species in our state are rhizomatous, perennial herbs (forbs) with singular, unbranched stems and alternate stem leaves.  Axillary flowers may occur in pairs, singularly or in umbel.  Fruit is a blue-black berry.

The underground rhizome produces a new stem that withers away in the summer, leaving a knob-like scar on the rhizome resembling a wax seal.  That is how the plants in this group acquired their common name 'seal'.  These knobs also inspired the latin name of the genus meaning 'many-jointed'.  The medieval herbalists believed that the knobs were set on the plant by King Solomon's as a testimony to its medicinal value.

Polygonatum biflorum (king Solomon's seal) Plant is native to PA

King Solomon's seal is similar to the hairy …

Polygonatum pubescens (hairy Solomon's seal) Plant is native to PA

Hairy Solomon's seal has yellow-green clusters of …

Polygonatum Solomon's seal

Polygonatum gallery
Common Names
Solomon's seal