Solomon's-seal
Polygonatum multiflorum
Also listed as Convallaria multiflora, Polygonatum intermedium
Also known as Common Solomon's Seal, Eurasian Solomon's Seal, Multi-flowered Solomon's-seal
Climate Match for your location
See how well Solomon's-seal grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A graceful shade-loving perennial with arching stems lined with pairs of oval leaves and nodding white or greenish-white bell-shaped flowers hanging beneath. The plant spreads slowly via rhizomes and produces blue-black berries in fall.
Why grow it
Solomon's-seal fills a specific niche as a shade perennial with refined, arching form and subtle spring interest that many gardeners prefer to more heavily flowered alternatives. Unlike many shade plants that require constant moisture, Polygonatum multiflorum tolerates drier conditions once established, making it useful for difficult dry shade sites under mature trees. Its slow spread via rhizomes means it occupies space gradually without the aggressive behavior of some woodland perennials, though this also means patience is required to fill an area.
Watch out for
The rhizomes can be slow to establish and may take a season or two to produce robust growth, so initial plantings may appear sparse. In poorly draining soils or areas with excessive spring moisture, rhizomes may rot before they acclimate; amending with organic matter helps but does not guarantee success in waterlogged sites.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
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 shade-loving perennial with arching stems lined with pairs of oval leaves and nodding white or greenish-white bell-shaped flowers hanging beneath. The plant spreads slowly via rhizomes and produces blue-black berries in fall.
Climate Match for your location
See how well 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
Solomon's-seal fills a specific niche as a shade perennial with refined, arching form and subtle spring interest that many gardeners prefer to more heavily flowered alternatives. Unlike many shade plants that require constant moisture, Polygonatum multiflorum tolerates drier conditions once established, making it useful for difficult dry shade sites under mature trees. Its slow spread via rhizomes means it occupies space gradually without the aggressive behavior of some woodland perennials, though this also means patience is required to fill an area.
Watch out for
The rhizomes can be slow to establish and may take a season or two to produce robust growth, so initial plantings may appear sparse. In poorly draining soils or areas with excessive spring moisture, rhizomes may rot before they acclimate; amending with organic matter helps but does not guarantee success in waterlogged sites.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
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
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.