Polygonatum biflorum

Polygonatum biflorum king Solomon's seal

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA Add to MyPlants View Locations

King Solomon's seal is similar to the hairy Solomon's seal but is larger in length and flower size.  The latin epithet 'biflorum' is given after the pairs of flowers that hang down from the leaf axils.  The actual number of flowers per axil can vary from 2 to 10, with 2 being the most often encountered number.  The leaves of this species are glabrous while the undersides of the leaves of hairy Solomon's seal are pubescent on the veins.

Common in dry to moist woods. Prefers shade to partial shade.

Present throughout the state.

Range: From Ontario south to Florida and west to Texas and Nebraska.

Wetland codes
EMP: FACU
NCNE: FACU



Flowers April to June.

Flowers  hang from leaf axils in umbels containing 2 to 10 flowers; tubular, white to greenish-yellow with 6 green-spotted lobes at the tips

Leaves  alternate, elliptical, entire; glabrous below; up to 6 inches long

Stem  angular, curved at the top

Fruit  blue-black berries; about ¼ inch across

Height/Length  2 to 6 feet

S-rank:  No Rank
G-rank:  G5 (Secure)

Root of this plant contain a chemical called alantoin which can be used for external treatment of wounds and skin ulcers.

Deers and rabbits graze on the leaves of this and other Solomon's seal species.  Woodland birds eat the fruit and spread the seeds. The flowers attract hummingbirds, some butterflies and bees.

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Polygonatum biflorum king Solomon's seal

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA
Add to MyPlants View Locations
Polygonatum biflorum gallery
Plant Life-Form
perennial forb
Common Names
king Solomon's seal common Solomon's seal smooth Solomon's seal