Polygonatum pubescens
Polygonatum pubescens hairy Solomon's seal


Hairy Solomon's seal has yellow-green clusters of flowers (1 to 3 in a cluster) that dangle from the axils of the leaves, which alternate along the stem. This plant is similar to king Solomon's seal but is smaller in length and has smaller flowers. The undersides of the leaves of hairy Solomon's seal are slightly pubescent on the veins unlike the fully smooth leaves of king Solomon's seal.
Habitat & Range
Common in dry to moist woods. Prefers shade to part shade.
Present throughout the state.
EMP: | FACU |
---|---|
NCNE: | FACU |
Phenology
Flowers April through May.
Characteristics
Flowers hang from leaf axils, 1 to 3 flowers per axil; tubular, with 6 recurved lobes; white to greenish-yellow
Leaves alternate, lance-elliptical to elliptical; entire; pubescent on the veins below; up to 5 inches long
Stem single, unbranched, angular, curved at the top
Fruit blue-black berries about ⅓ inch across
Height 2 to 3⅓ feet
Plant Codes
S-rank: No Rank
G-rank: G5 (Secure)
Faunal Associations
Woodland birds such as ruffed grouse eat the fruits. Deers and rabbits graze on the leaves of this and other Solomon's seal species. The flowers attract hummingbirds, some butterflies and bees such as honeybees and bumblebees.