Solomon’s-seal (Polygonatum multiflorum, Fl. pedem. 1:131. 1785)

Family: Asparagaceae

Author: All.

Bibliography: Fl. pedem. 1:131. 1785

Year: 1785

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Polygonatum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Caucasus

Description

Solomon’s-seal, known scientifically as Polygonatum multiflorum, is a striking perennial herb that belongs to the Asparagaceae family. This plant is native to a broad range of regions from Europe extending to the Caucasus, showcasing its adaptability to diverse climates and terrains.

The plant is characterized by its gracefully arching stems and lush foliage, which consist of alternate, lance-shaped leaves that create an elegant, flowing appearance. During the blooming season, Solomon’s-seal produces clusters of small, white to greenish bell-shaped flowers that dangle pendulously from the leaf axils. These delicate blooms not only add to the aesthetic appeal but also attract various pollinators, making it a charming addition to any garden focused on biodiversity.

Following the flowering period, the plant bears small, blue-black berries, which further adorn the plant and offer a source of nourishment for wildlife. However, it should be noted that these berries are toxic to humans if ingested.

Solomon’s-seal thrives in shaded or partially shaded environments, often found naturally in woodland settings. It prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and its rhizomatous root system allows it to spread and form beautiful colonies over time, making it excellent for ground cover in shaded garden areas.

Renowned for its historical and medicinal significance, Solomon’s-seal has been utilized in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, leveraging its reputed anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Despite its delicate appearance, this resilient plant has been cultivated since the 18th century, as noted by its first classification in “Flora Pedemontana” in 1785.

Overall, Solomon’s-seal is not only a beautiful and versatile plant for gardeners but also a species with a rich history and ecological value, making it a treasured component of both natural and cultivated landscapes.

Common Names

De: Vielblütiger Salomonssiegel, Vielblütige Weißwurz, Vielblütiges Salomonssiegel, Wald-Salomonssiegel, Wald-Weißwurz
Eng: eurasian solomon’s seal, solomon’s-seal, common solomon’s seal, garden solomon’s seal, multi-flowered solomon’s seal
Dan: salomons segl, stor konval
Deu: vielblütige weißwurz, vielblütiges salomonssiegel
Nld: gewone salomonszegel
Swe: lehtokielo, storrams
Fin: lehtokielo
Fra: sceau de salomon commun, sceau-de-salomon multiflore, sceau-de-salomon commun
Nor: storkonvall
Nob: storkonvall
Nno: storkonvall
Cym: dagrau job, dail solomon, llysiau solomon, sêl selyf, sêl solomon, telyn dafydd, tethi’r fuwch
En: Solomon’s-seal, Eurasian Solomon’s seal, Common Solomon’s-seal, David’s-harp, Eurasian Solomon’s Seal, Ladder-to-heaven, Solomon’s Seal, Common Solomon’s Seal, Garden Solomon’s seal, Multi-flowered Solomon’s seal, Lady’s seal
Ar: عقداء عديدة الأزهار
Bg: Многоцветна момкова сълза
Ca: Segell de ram
Kw: Sel Selevan
Hr: Mnogocvjetni Salamunov pečat
Cs: Kokořík mnohokvětý
Da: Stor Konval, Salomons segl
Nl: Gewone salomonszegel, Veelbloemige salomonszegel
Et: Mitmeõiene kuutõverohi
Fi: Lehtokielo
Fr: Sceau de Salomon multiflore, Sceau de salomon commun, Sceau-de-Salomon multiflore, Sceau-de-Salomon commun, Genouillet, Muguet de serpent, Polygonate multiflore
Hu: Fürtös salamonpecsét
Ga: Séala Sholaimh
It: Sigillo di Salomone maggiore, Sigillo-di-Salomone maggiore
Lt: Daugiažiedė baltašaknė
No: Storkonvall
Nb: Storkonvall
Nn: Storkonvall
Pl: Kokoryczka wielokwiatowa
Ru: Купена многоцветковая
Sk: Kokorík mnohokvetý
Es: Poligonato, Sello de Salomón, Suelda blanca
Sv: Storrams, Lehtokielo
Tr: Adi mührüsüleyman, Boğumluca otu
Uk: Купина багатоквіткова
Wa: Såvaedje murguet
Cy: Llysiau Solomon, Dagrau Job, Dail Solomon, Sêl Selyf, Sêl Solomon, Telyn Dafydd, Tethi’r Fuwch
: Eurasian solomon’s seal

Synonyms

• Convallaria multiflora var. latifolia (DC.)
• Convallaria multiflora var. ambigua (Des Moul.)
• Polygonatum salamonis (Montandon)
• Polygonatum ambiguum ((Des Moul.) B.D.Jacks.)
• Polygonatum multiflorum subsp. bracteatum ((Gaudin) K.Richt.)
• Polygonatum multiflorum var. ramosum ((Döll) Geisenh.)
• Convallaria multiflora var. ramosa (Döll)
• Polygonatum multiflorum f. bracteatum ((Gaudin) Fernald & S.K.Harris)
• Polygonatum multiflorum f. ramosum ((Döll) Fernald & S.K.Harris)
• Convallaria ambigua (Schrank)
• Polygonatum multiflorum var. latifolium (Gray)
• Polygonatum bracteatum ((Gaudin) G.Don)
• Polygonatum multiflorum var. obtusifolium (Wimm. & Grab.)
• Polygonatum multiflorum var. humile (Gray)
• Convallaria multiflora var. obtusifolia (Rchb.)
• Polygonatum multiflorum var. ovatum (Lej. & Courtois)
• Convallaria govaniana (Wall.)
• Convallaria multiflora (L.)
• Convallaria multiflora var. major (Gaudin)
• Polygonatum intermedium (Dumort.)
• Convallaria multiflora var. bracteata (Gaudin)
• Polygonatum multiflorum var. bracteatum ((Gaudin) Kunth)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 30, 2020 by Jean-Christophe Thalmard (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2021 by Uta Groger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2020 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2020 by Paul Camin (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 19, 2017 by Barbara Kozan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2020 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2020 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 9, 2020 by yvette Dupanloup (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2021 by Mateusz H (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 7, 2020 by Pitsche Knollie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2020 by Sebastien buquet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2020 by Isabelle DELARGE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2022 by Ernst Fürst (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2021 by Mateusz H (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 28, 2020 by pegi Frutella (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 2, 2022 by Ulrich Hauser (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2017 by Bastien Zanette (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2021 by Francisco Sanchez (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2021 by romain cregut (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2020 by alain gallay (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken May 12, 2020 by Saraga Ivana (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2019 by Guillaume Severino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2017 by Simon Valentini (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2020 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2770022)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30081981-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 4

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Soil nutriments: 5