King Solomon's Seal, Smooth Solomon's seal

Polygonatum commutatum

Physical Characteristics

Polygonatum commutatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Rhode Island to Ontario and Manitoba, south to Georgia, New Mexico and Arizona.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked. They can be used as an asparagus substitute. Root - cooked[22, 161]. A parsnip-like flavour[212]. Rich in starch, it can be dried and ground into a powder then used as a thickener in soups etc or can be added to flour when making cakes, bread or whatever[46, 61]. The root should be boiled and sun-dried nine times, it is then delicious[179] (if there is anything left![K])

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic A decoction of the root has been used as a herbal steam inhalant as a treatment for headaches[257].

Known Hazards

The fruit and seed are thought to be poisonous[65].