Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum biflorum)

Solomon's Seal is a quiet presence in woodland gardens and naturalized landscapes, its gracefully arching stems and nodding, bell-shaped flowers offering a serene sophistication. This perennial thrives in rich, moist soils and is often found in the cool understory of forests. The plant’s lance-shaped leaves form a gentle mound, and its creamy-white flowers bloom in late spring, casting a delicate fragrance across the garden.

Historically, Solomon’s Seal has been used for its soothing and restorative qualities, particularly in herbal preparations. The rhizomes, carefully harvested for their beneficial properties, have been employed in teas, tinctures, and poultices, believed to support joint and tissue health and provide overall wellness and balance in the body’s natural systems. These rhizomes, which grow horizontally beneath the soil, give the plant its distinctive shape and are the source of its name, evoking the ancient seal-like marks seen on its roots that are said to resemble the Hebrew seal of King Solomon.

Solomon’s Seal is a resilient and versatile herb, and with its ease of growth in shaded, woodland environments, it adds a touch of grace and timelessness to any landscape.