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Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum biflorum
42.0681, -83.9779
Field Notes
Description:
The hardy perennial has stems of three feet in height that finally curve gracefully and bear pale green, oval leaves and drooping clusters of creamy white flowers, followed by blue-black berries.
The creeping root stock, or underground stem, is thick and white and is lifted in autumn and used in herbal medicine. Because of the creeping root stock, the plant multiplies very rapidly. You can estimate the plant's age by examining the rhizome. Each year the stem leaves a scar, or "seal" on the rhizome. Counting these will give you an idea of how long your plant has been alive.
Habitat:
It thrives in light, well drained, moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade or in sun (preferring forests) with a cool root run.
Notes:
Solomon's Seal is named for King Solomon of Hebrew lore who was granted great wisdom. According to herbal lore, King Solomon himself placed his seal upon this plant when he recognized its great value. Those with imagination can see the seal on the root stock in the circular scars left by the stem after it dies back.
Solomon's Seal has been used for centuries to heal wounds, repair damaged tissue, bruises, and knit broken bones; relieve dry coughs and tuberculosis; treat chronic dysentery, diarrhea and hemorrhoids, among other diverse uses, as explained more below.
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