Great Solomon's Seal

Polygonatum canaliclatum

Family Liliaceae

Brief Description: One to four feet tall. Greenish-yellow bell shaped flowers hang down from a stem with parallel veined alternate leaves. The rootstock has large, circular "seals."

Blooms from May to June.

Geographic Range: From southern Manitoba to eastern New England, south to Oklahoma, South Carolina.

Habitat: Openings under a wooded canopy

Garden Use: Excellent spring perennial for shady gardens; spreads by rhizomes.

Historic Uses: The young shoots and rootstocks are edible as asparagus and potato.