Polygonatum biflorum

Common Names

Solomon's Seal, Great Solomon's Seal, Smooth Solomon's Seal, Giant Solomon's Seal, Small Solomon's Seal, Large Solomon's Seal

Summary

Polygonatum biflorum is a rhizomatous, arching perennial native to eastern North America that forms colonies via creeping rhizomes, it typically grows 1–3 feet tall, with alternate, elliptic to oval leaves exhibiting parallel venation, in spring it bears small greenish-white, nodding bell-shaped flowers tucked beneath the foliage, followed by blue to black berries, and foliage often turns yellow in fall, preferring partial to full shade and moist, rich, well-drained soil, Polygonatum biflorum is hardy in USDA zones 3–9 and tolerates moist conditions while slowly spreading by rhizomes to form colonies, propagation is easiest by division in spring or fall, seeds can be used but germinate slowly after cold-moist stratification, in landscapes it suits woodland and shade gardens, native plant landscapes, and rain gardens, and provides wildlife value as a nectar/pollen source for pollinators and as a food source for birds from berries

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-3 feet

Spread

12-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade to full shade, tolerates partial sun.

Soil Type

Moist, rich, well-drained loamy soil, pH 5.0–7.0

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil that remains consistently moist but not waterlogged

Soil pH

5.0-7.0, tolerates acidic to alkaline to neutral

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Late spring to early summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, birds