Common names also include Great Solomon’s Seal, Sealwort.
A perennial native to woodlands across much of the United States. In the spring and early summer it produces small, green-white, bell shaped flowers which hang from the underside of its arching stems and attract bees and hummingbirds. These eventually produce blue-black berries which are attractive to birds. Though most of the plant is edible to humans, the berries are toxic and cause gastrointestinal upset.
The young shoots can be boiled and served similar to asparagus. Whole shoots can be chopped and used as an addition to salads. The rhizomes are starchy and can be either boiled or stewed and eaten like potatoes.
It grows in a variety of conditions, though it prefers rich, loamy soil. Well suited to being planted at the base of trees. A wonderful native alternative to non-native hostas.
Height: 2′-4′ Spread: 1’-2’ Bloom: March-June Light: Part Shade-Deep Shade Water: Medium Zone: 3-9 Origin: Texas, central and eastern U.S. and Canada
