Family: Asparagaceae
Author: (Walter) Elliott
Bibliography: Sketch Bot. S. Carolina 1: 393 (1817)
Year: 1817
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Polygonatum
Vegetable: False
Observations: CS. & SE. Canada to NE. Mexico
Description
American Solomon’s-seal (Polygonatum biflorum)
American Solomon’s-seal, scientifically known as Polygonatum biflorum, is a distinguished species within the Asparagaceae family. Credited to the meticulous documentation by botanist (Walter) Elliott, this plant was comprehensively described in the pivotal work “Sketch Botany of South Carolina” in 1817.
This perennial plant is native to a broad geographic range, from southeastern Canada stretching down to northeastern Mexico. It thrives across various habitats, contributing to the rich biodiversity of these regions.
Description and Identification
American Solomon’s-seal exhibits an elegant, arching stem that can grow up to several feet in height. Its leaves are arranged alternately and are characterized by their smooth, elliptical shape with parallel venation. The plant typically produces small, tubular flowers that hang in clusters of two, hence the name “biflorum”, meaning “two-flowered”. These blossoms are usually creamy white to greenish-yellow and bloom in late spring to early summer.
Post-pollination, the flowers give way to small blue or black berries. These fruits not only add to the plant’s ornamental value but also provide a food source for various wildlife.
Ecological Importance
The American Solomon’s-seal serves a noteworthy role in its native ecosystems. Its berries are consumed by numerous bird species, while its foliage provides cover and habitat for small animals. Additionally, the plant is known for its adaptability to different woodland environments, often found in rich, moist, and shaded woodlands, where it contributes to the understorey diversity.
Uses and Cultural Significance
Historically, the roots of Polygonatum biflorum have been utilized in traditional medicine by Native American tribes and early settlers for their reputed anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Modern interest in the plant often focuses on its ornamental use in shaded garden landscapes, where it is valued for its graceful form and delicate flowers.
Cultivation and Care
For those interested in growing American Solomon’s-seal, the plant prefers a site with partial to full shade and rich, well-drained soil. It is relatively low maintenance once established and can spread to form attractive colonies. Gardeners appreciate its resilience and ability to thrive in various conditions, making it a favored choice for naturalistic and woodland garden designs.
Conservation Status
Although Polygonatum biflorum is not currently listed as endangered, maintaining its natural habitats is crucial for its ongoing survival. Conservation efforts are important to ensure that the diverse ecosystems where this plant flourishes are protected from overdevelopment and environmental degradation.
In summary, American Solomon’s-seal is a plant of both ecological and ornamental value. Its beauty and importance in traditional medicine, coupled with its easy cultivation, make it a cherished component of North America’s natural heritage.
Common Names
Eng: american solomon’s-seal, king solomon’s seal, king solomon’s-seal, small solomon’s-seal, smooth solomon’s seal, solomon’s seal, solomon’s-seal, giant solomon’s seal, common solomon’s seal, great solomon’s seal
Swe: amerikansk jätterams
Fra: sceau-de-salomon à deux fleurs
En: American Solomon’s-seal, Solomon’s-seal, Small Solomon’s-seal, Smooth Solomon’s seal, King Solomon’s seal, King Solomon’s-seal, Solomon’s seal, Giant Solomon’s seal, Common Solomon’s seal, Great Solomon’s seal
Fr: Sceau-de-Salomon à deux fleurs
Sv: Amerikansk jätterams
: Smooth solomon’s seal
Synonyms
- Salomonia commutata ((Schult. & Schult.f.) Britton)
- Sigillaria elliptica (Raf.)
- Polygonatum cobrense ((Wooton & Standl.) R.R.Gates)
- Sigillaria canaliculata ((Willd.) Raf.)
- Sigillaria angustifolia ((Pursh) Raf.)
- Polygonatum canaliculatum var. americanum ((Hook.) Farw.)
- Polygonatum multiflorum var. canaliculatum ((Willd.) Alph.Wood)
- Polygonatum multiflorum var. americanum (Hook.)
- Polygonatum biflorum subvar. ellipsoidale (Farw.)
- Convallaria commutata (Schult. & Schult.f.)
- Polygonatum commutatum var. lineamentosum (Lunell)
- Polygonatum canaliculatum var. rotundifolium (J.W.Moore)
- Polygonatum canaliculatum var. ovatum ((Farw.) E.J.Palmer & Steyerm.)
- Polygonatum latifolium (Pursh)
- Polygonatum latifolium var. commutatum ((Schult. & Schult.f.) Baker)
- Polygonatum parviflorum (A.Dietr.)
- Polygonatum canaliculatum var. giganteum ((A.Dietr.) Miq.)
- Salomonia cobrensis (Wooton & Standl.)
- Polygonatum commutatum f. ramosum (McGivney)
- Convallaria biflora (Walter)
- Polygonatum melleum (Farw.)
- Polygonatum hebetifolium ((R.R.Gates) Bush)
- Polygonatum biflorum f. ramosum ((McGivney) Fernald)
- Polygonatum virginicum (Greene)
- Polygonatum biflorum var. necopinum (R.P.Ownbey)
- Polygonatum biflorum var. hebetifolium (R.R.Gates)
- Sigillaria biflora ((Walter) Raf.)
- Polygonatum commutatum ((Schult. & Schult.f.) A.Dietr.)
- Polygonatum multiflorum var. biflorum ((Walter) Alph.Wood)
- Polygonatum commutatum f. foliatum (H.M.Clarke)
- Polygonatum canaliculatum f. ramosum ((McGivney) Clute)
- Polygonatum canaliculatum var. oblongifolium (Farw.)
- Polygonatum canaliculatum ((Willd.) Pursh)
- Polygonatum canaliculatum f. foliatum ((H.M.Clarke) J.W.Moore)
- Salomonia biflora ((Walter) Britton)
- Polygonatum canaliculatum subvar. ellipticum ((Farw.) Farw.)
- Polygonatum commutatum var. virginicum ((Greene) R.R.Gates)
- Polygonatum commutatum var. ovatum ((Farw.) R.R.Gates)
- Polygonatum biflorum var. giganteum ((A.Dietr.) Alph.Wood)
- Convallaria canaliculata (Willd.)
- Polygonatum biflorum var. virginicum ((Greene) Farw.)
- Polygonatum biflorum var. ovatum (Farw.)
- Polygonatum biflorum var. melleum ((Farw.) R.P.Ownbey)
- Polygonatum ellipticum (Farw.)
- Polygonatum giganteum (A.Dietr.)
- Polygonatum biflorum var. commutatum ((Schult. & Schult.f.) Morong)
- Convallaria angustifolia ((Pursh) Poir.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 8, 2021 by Seema Darbhe (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2020 by Diane Lafrance (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 11, 2021 by J Marshall (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2020 by L Duce (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2019 by PT (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken May 4, 2021 by Elo-Mai (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 6, 2020 by Serge Tejero (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2020 by Steve Rushton (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2021 by koji tanaka (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2021 by Suzie Nault (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 16, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 5, 2012 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 17, 2021 by Glen (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2022 by Vicki Brown (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2022 by Adam Covey (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 16, 2019 by Larry Beebe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2020 by David Koser (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 16, 2021 by Christina Emery (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2022 by Sandra Ranelli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 3, 2022 by Jacki Jacki Barbeaux (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Other
Taken May 25, 2021 by Vicki Brown (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Liz Nelson (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 27, 2020 by Christina Gardner (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 9, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:540091-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2770039)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Polygonatum biflorum (Walter) Elliott)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb