Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum commutatum)
Polygonatum commutatum, commonly known as Solomon’s Seal, is a native perennial found in rich woodlands, shaded slopes, and forest edges throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and full to partial shade, making it ideal for naturalized woodland gardens and shady native plantings.
This elegant plant features graceful, arching stems with alternating, oval-shaped leaves that are slightly pleated and smooth-edged. In mid to late spring, it produces small, creamy white, bell-shaped flowers that dangle in pairs from the leaf axils along the underside of the stem. These blooms are followed by blue-black berries in late summer, which are eaten by birds and small mammals.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Polygonatum commutatum is a refined and ecologically beneficial addition to shaded landscapes. It provides nectar for native bees and supports wildlife with its fruit. Its attractive foliage and graceful form offer season-long beauty, pairing well with other woodland species like Wild Ginger, Virginia Bluebells, and ferns for a lush, layered shade garden.
Polygonatum commutatum, commonly known as Solomon’s Seal, is a native perennial found in rich woodlands, shaded slopes, and forest edges throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and full to partial shade, making it ideal for naturalized woodland gardens and shady native plantings.
This elegant plant features graceful, arching stems with alternating, oval-shaped leaves that are slightly pleated and smooth-edged. In mid to late spring, it produces small, creamy white, bell-shaped flowers that dangle in pairs from the leaf axils along the underside of the stem. These blooms are followed by blue-black berries in late summer, which are eaten by birds and small mammals.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Polygonatum commutatum is a refined and ecologically beneficial addition to shaded landscapes. It provides nectar for native bees and supports wildlife with its fruit. Its attractive foliage and graceful form offer season-long beauty, pairing well with other woodland species like Wild Ginger, Virginia Bluebells, and ferns for a lush, layered shade garden.
Polygonatum commutatum, commonly known as Solomon’s Seal, is a native perennial found in rich woodlands, shaded slopes, and forest edges throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and full to partial shade, making it ideal for naturalized woodland gardens and shady native plantings.
This elegant plant features graceful, arching stems with alternating, oval-shaped leaves that are slightly pleated and smooth-edged. In mid to late spring, it produces small, creamy white, bell-shaped flowers that dangle in pairs from the leaf axils along the underside of the stem. These blooms are followed by blue-black berries in late summer, which are eaten by birds and small mammals.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Polygonatum commutatum is a refined and ecologically beneficial addition to shaded landscapes. It provides nectar for native bees and supports wildlife with its fruit. Its attractive foliage and graceful form offer season-long beauty, pairing well with other woodland species like Wild Ginger, Virginia Bluebells, and ferns for a lush, layered shade garden.
Bloom: late spring to early summer
Habitats: edges of shady seeps; fence rows that are overgrown with shrubs or trees; lower wooded slopes; moist to slightly dry deciduous woodlands; woodland borders; young flatwoods
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic
Plant type (height): forb (2 to 3.5 feet)
Requirements: light shade to partial sun
Soil: fertile loamy soil