Solomon's seal
Polygonatum multiflorum

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A small plant that keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are large and smooth and broadly oval. They are alternate and do not have a leaf stalk. The flowers are greenish-white and bell shaped. They hang down. They are in small bundles in the axils of the leaves. The fruit are small bluish-black berries.

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

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It does best in light to medium well-drained soil. It needs a protected, shady position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. In the Indian Himalayas it grows between 1,200-1,400 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Armenia, Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, Caucasus, China, Europe, Himalayas, India, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, North America, Pakistan, Sicily, Slovenia, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The rhizomes are eaten. They can be used for starch. The young shoots are boiled and eaten like asparagus. They are also fried or used for pickles.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, root, rhizome

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or by division.

Its other names

Local names

David's harp, Eurasian Solomon's seal, Ladder to heaven, Mnogocvetni salomonov pečat, Sin, drik

Synonyms

Convallaria multiflora L.; See Polygonatum x hybridum