Smooth Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum biflorum
Also listed as Polygonatum cobrense, Polygonatum ovatum
Also known as Solomon's Seal, American Solomon's-seal, Small Solomon's-seal
Climate Match for your location
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A graceful woodland perennial with arching stems bearing pairs of small, greenish-white bell-shaped flowers along the stem, followed by blue-black berries. Ideal for shaded garden beds and naturalized areas.
Why grow it
Polygonatum biflorum is valued in woodland gardens for its refined habit and extended seasonal interest, offering delicate flowers followed by ornamental berries where many shade perennials provide only foliage. Compared to other Solomon's seals, smooth Solomon's seal is less vigorous and more manageable in size, making it suitable for smaller shade beds. It spreads gradually by rhizomes to create naturalized drifts without the aggressive spread of some introduced Polygonatum species.
Watch out for
The rhizomes benefit from consistent moisture but are prone to rot in waterlogged soils, particularly in heavy clay without amendment. Slugs and sawflies may damage emerging foliage in wet springs, though damage is typically cosmetic and does not affect establishment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A graceful woodland perennial with arching stems bearing pairs of small, greenish-white bell-shaped flowers along the stem, followed by blue-black berries. Ideal for shaded garden beds and naturalized areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Smooth Solomon's Seal grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Polygonatum biflorum is valued in woodland gardens for its refined habit and extended seasonal interest, offering delicate flowers followed by ornamental berries where many shade perennials provide only foliage. Compared to other Solomon's seals, smooth Solomon's seal is less vigorous and more manageable in size, making it suitable for smaller shade beds. It spreads gradually by rhizomes to create naturalized drifts without the aggressive spread of some introduced Polygonatum species.
Watch out for
The rhizomes benefit from consistent moisture but are prone to rot in waterlogged soils, particularly in heavy clay without amendment. Slugs and sawflies may damage emerging foliage in wet springs, though damage is typically cosmetic and does not affect establishment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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