Solomon's Seal, Eurasian Solomon's seal

Polygonatum multiflorum

Physical Characteristics

Polygonatum multiflorum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in October. 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, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay 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 dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, and temperate Asia to Japan.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Shoots Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked. Boiled and used as an asparagus substitute, they make an excellent vegetable[2, 4, 115] and are widely used in Turkey[244]. Root - cooked[177, 179]. Rich in starch[115]. The root should be macerated for some time in water in order to remove bitter substances[4]. Normally only used in times of famine, the root was powdered and then made into a bread by the North American Indians[244].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Demulcent Dysentery Emetic Poultice Tonic Solomon's seal has been used for thousands of years in herbal medicine. It is used mainly in the form of a poultice and is believed to prevent excessive bruising and to stimulate tissue repair[254]. The root is astringent, demulcent, emetic and tonic[4, 21, 61, 240]. An infusion is healing and restorative, it is good in the treatment of stomach inflammations, chronic dysentery etc[4]. It is used with other herbs in the treatment of pulmonary problems, including tuberculosis, and women's complaints[4, 254]. The powdered roots make an excellent poultice for bruises, piles, inflammation etc[4]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[4]. The plant should not be used internally except under professional supervision[254]. A distilled water made from the whole plant has been used as a skin tonic and is an ingredient of expensive cosmetics[244]. The dried powdered roots and flowers have been used as a snuff to promote sneezing and thus clear the bronchial passages[244].

Known Hazards

Large quantities of the fruits are poisonous[10, 19, 65]. It has laxative properties and can increase the laxative effects of aloe, rhamnus, senna & yellow dock. May lead to gastrointestinal irritation with prolonged use. Overdose leads to nausea, diarrhoea, gastric complaints [301].