Small Solomon's seal
Polygonatum biflorum

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A small plant that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1 m high and spreads 50 cm wide. The stem is erect, stout and flowering. The leaves are large and oval and do not have a leaf stalk. They are bright green. The flowers are green and white and tube shaped. They hang down. They are in clusters in the axils of the leaves.

There are about 50-60 Polygonatum species. Also put in the family Convallariaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in open forests and forest clearings. It is a temperate plant. It does best in light well-drained soil. It suits a protected, shaded position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. It suits hardiness zones 3-7.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, Central America, China, Mexico, Myanmar, North America, SE Asia, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The young shoots without the leafy heads can be boiled for 10 minutes then served like asparagus. The whole plant can be chopped up and added to salads. The starchy rootstock can be added to stews or boiled for 20 minutes and eaten. It is boiled in alkaline water, washed and peeled, then re-boiled. The rhizome is also a source of starch.

Edible parts

Leaves, root

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by division.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Polygonatum canalicatum (Willd.) Pursh.; Polygonatum commutatum (Schult. & Schult.f.) A. Dietr.; Polygonatum giganteum A. Dietr.; and several others