Polygonatum nodosum, commonly known as Solomon’s Seal, is a deciduous perennial herb native to temperate regions of China. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 0.5 feet (0.2 meters). Solomon’s Seal thrives in cool, moist, well-drained soils found in forest understories, along stream banks, and in shaded woodland areas. The plant features arching stems with alternate, ovate leaves and small, tubular, white flowers that dangle from the leaf axils in late spring to early summer. The flowers are often followed by blue-black berries that are attractive to birds.

Solomon’s Seal is valued for its graceful form and the subtle beauty of its flowers, which are modest yet appealing. It is commonly used in shaded garden areas, woodland plantings, and naturalized settings. This plant is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, and is appreciated for its ability to spread and form colonies, making it an effective ground cover. It prefers part shade to full shade and consistently moist soil with good organic content. While generally pest-free, it can occasionally suffer from slug damage. Solomon’s Seal is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems. It is also recognized for its medicinal properties, with various parts of the plant historically used in traditional medicine.CC BY-SA 4.0