Hairy Solomon’s Seal

(Polygonatum pubescens)

Hairy Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum pubescens)

Derek

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Derek

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Estimated Native Range

Summary

Polygonatum pubescens, commonly known as Hairy Solomon’s Seal, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the rich, mesic woodlands and forest understories of the Eastern United States and Ontario. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters), featuring arching stems and alternate, ovate leaves. The plant is noted for its small, tubular flowers that are yellow-green with white tips, hanging in pairs or solitary from the leaf axils in late spring to early summer. These flowers are modest in showiness but add a delicate charm to shaded garden areas. In autumn, the foliage turns a yellow color, and the flowers give way to blue-black berries that are often hidden by the foliage.

Hairy Solomon’s Seal is valued for its graceful form and the textural contrast it provides in shade gardens. It is commonly used in woodland gardens, naturalized areas, and as an understory plant in shaded borders. This plant thrives in part to full shade, preferring consistently moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. It is relatively low maintenance, but gardeners should be aware of potential issues such as slug damage and fungal leaf spots. While not aggressive, it can slowly form colonies via rhizomes, making it a suitable ground cover over time.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 1-3 feet
Width: 1-2.5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant

Natural Habitat

Rich, mesic woodlands and forest understories

Other Names

Common Names: Downy Solomon’s Seal, Hairy Solomon’s-Seal, Sceau-De-Salomon Pubescent, Sceau-De-Salomon À Deux Fleurs, Sceau-De-Salomon, Sceau-De-Salomon Poilu, Vrai Sceau-De-Salomon

Scientific Names: , Polygonatum pubescens, Polygonatum pubescens f. fultius, Convallaria pubescens, Polygonatum boreale, Polygonatum cuneatum, Polygonatum pubescens var. boreale, Polygonatum boreale var. australe, Polygonatum boreale var. multflorum, Polygonatum boreale var. multiflorum

GBIF Accepted Name: Polygonatum pubescens (Willd.) Pursh