Solomon’s Seal
The scientific name for Solomon’s Seal is Polygonatum. The name originates from a mark at the base of the plant that looks like two overlapping triangles. Apparently, King Solomon used this symbol to refer to the union of the body and the soul, hence the plant earned the name Solomon’s Seal. (Source) This plant is found mostly in woodlands and enjoys shade. It spreads through rhizomes and is easy to grow once established.
Here’s a 3-minute video that gives a solid introduction to Solomon’s Seal. Here’s a 2-minute video that shows the differences between ‘false Solomon’s Seal’ and true Solomon’s Seal. This 2-minute video gives excellent information about the variegated Solomon’s Seal.
FunFacts about Solomon’s Seal: (Source) (Source)
- Basic Info, quote: Polygonatum, also known as King Solomon’s-seal or Solomon’s seal, is a genus of flowering plants. In the APG III classification system, it is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Nolinoideae. It has also been classified in the former family Convallariaceae and, like many lilioid monocots, was formerly classified in the lily family, Liliaceae. The genus is distributed throughout the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Most of the approximately 63 species occur in Asia, with 20 endemic to China. (Source)
- Solomon’s Seal is closely related to the Lily-of-the-Valley.
- The name, whether Polygonatum or Solomon’s Seal, is somewhat obscure. Polygonatum means ‘many knees’ in Greek which may refer to the multiple joints of the rhizome. As for Solomon’s Seal, one speculation is that when the roots are cut they resemble Hebrew characters. However, the gardener in this video has another explanation involving the shape of two triangles at the base of the stem: go here.
- Solomon’s Seal is used as a food in China. The leaves, stems and roots are used raw or cooked as a side dish.
- The rhizomes can be used to make tea or to favor wines or liqueurs.
- The species in the U.S. has a starchy root and can be eaten like a potato or used as a flour for bread.
- Solomon’s Seal reputedly has many health benefits. Two of them are to alleviate symptoms of menopause and diabetes. (Source)
- The flowers produce red or blue berries.
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(Photos from Pixabay)
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We have a winner! Congrats Mary P.!!!
First June winner: Suzi!
May Winners: Susan S., Sandra L., Mary C., B.N. and Debra G.
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I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Solomon’s Seal plant before. They have such an interesting look!
Nice picture s !!
Love the pictures! I remember seeing these as I was growing up in the woods near my parents place. Since getting married and moving to TN , I haven’t seen these plants. I didn’t realize that the Solomon’s Seal is closely related to the Lily-of-the-Valley.
Never heard of them before. Interesting, pretty little flower.
Not something I have heard of before either. Lovely pictures.
Pretty plant. In some pictures it looks like upside down bells and others (before it opens l) they look like peanuts when you first dig them up and they are hanging from the roots. Interesting information.
Thank You for a very interesting and informative article.
Never heard of these,but like these pictures.
Very interesting. I have heard of them before but I didn’t know what they were or what they looked like until now.
This is a new plant to me. They almost look like lily of the valley. Pretty!
They are pretty and look like something that would be in the movie Alice in Wonderland lol.
I have heard of them before but never grew any. I shall have to try. My favorite picture is the one of them emerging.
Thank you for that plant biology lesson. I had not heard of this plant before, probably because I have never had a shade to semi shade garden. I have always had sunny spots. Thanks for the info.
The perfect plant for my yard which has plenty of shade. I remember my Mom talking about Solomon Seal. A plant I will certainly look into. Thank you Caris for bringing this to my attention.
Never heard of it. It is an interesting plant. Looks sorta like a bleeding heart plant.
Interesting flowers. I am curious about it’s ability to alleviate symptoms of menopause and diabetes. Thank you for the information.
I think I have seen this plant in the woods.
Very pretty plants.
I like the last picture. Leaves on top, flowers underneath.
Alberta , Canada
I’ve never seen or heard about the Solomon Seal but they are pretty. Reminds me of a lily of the valley but with a bigger flower. My favorite pictures are #6 & #8. Really a pretty plant and it being a medicinal and food plant. Amazing. AZ
I’ve never seen these as far as I can recall. They are a pretty flower.
Never heard of it before. Looks similar to many other plants.
That was interesting. I have never heard of the plant, cute little flowers. I wonder what the tea tastes like.
I didn’t know anything about this plant. I am familiar with lily of the valley but have never seen this plant before. Thank you for bring a new plant to my notice.
Solomon’s Seal reminds me of the plant, Bleeding Heart.
I never realized Solomon Seal had so many varied uses.
I I don’t recall ever seeing this plant in North Carolina where I live.
This is such an intriguing plant. I wish it would grow here in the Mojave Desert.
I don’t particularly like those flowers. Kinda blah. But I thank you for the info.
interesting benefits
Lily of the Valley grew around the property in Minnesota, didn’t ever know there was another type or name for them. Kind of interesting to read.
Drea – South-central Arizona
reminds me of my hosta
denise from maryland
They’re in the same Family–I looked it up. Maybe mine isn’t a hosta? Neighbor gave it to me.
Pretty
I’ve seen them before but didn’t that was what they were called. Very different.
Really liked the information provided. Thank you.
Pretty in an unusual way. I do not recall every hearing about these or seeing them. Thank you
Interesting. Thank you
I’ve never heard of or seen this plant before. Is that all the bigger the flowers get?
Pretty pictures and interesting plan. It is new to me. Writing from Alberta Canada
Sweet!!!!!
Never heard of it but it sure is pretty!
Okay, I usually love all of the information but this just isn’t my cup of tea which surprises me because I love things about plant life.