Polygonatum commutatum - King Solomon's Seal

Family:	Convallariaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	2
Width:	0.6
Synonyms:	P. canaliculatum. P. giganteum.
Range:	Eastern N. America - Rhode Island to Ontario and Manitoba, south to Georgia, New Mexico and Arizona.

Polygonatum commutatum (King Solomon's Seal) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 2m and a width of 0.6m . It has a hardness rating of 5.
King Solomon's Seal will flower in November. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees, self

Soil Information

King Solomon's Seal will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
King Solomon's Seal prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

King Solomon's Seal can grow in full or semi shaded areas.

Moist woodland and copses, often by streams[43, 235]. Plants are rarely found in dry soils[235].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Is suited to a deeply shaded location

Cultivation Details

Prefers a fertile humus rich moisture retentive well-drained soil in cool shade or semi-shade[200]. Plants are intolerant of heat and drought but tolerate most other conditions[200]. Grows well in woodlands and copses[1, 42]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. The young shoots are very attractive to slugs[K]. Hybridizes with other members of this genus[200]. According to one report this species is no more than a synonym for P. biflorum[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
Young shoots - cooked. They can be used as an asparagus substitute. Root - cooked[22, 161]. A parsnip-like flavour[212]. Rich in starch, it can be dried and ground into a powder then used as a thickener in soups etc or can be added to flour when making cakes, bread or whatever[46, 61]. The root should be boiled and sun-dried nine times, it is then delicious[179] (if there is anything left![K])

• Leaves -
• Root - includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
A decoction of the root has been used as a herbal steam inhalant as a treatment for headaches[257].

• Analgesic - Relieves pain.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a shady part of a cold greenhouse[200]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Germination can be slow, they may not come true to type[200] and it takes a few years for them to reach a good size. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in March or October. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Known Hazards

The fruit and seed are thought to be poisonous[65].

Other Uses

The root has been burnt in the house for its pleasant fragrance[257].

• Incense - Aromatic plants that can be burnt to impart a pleasant smell, repel insects and disinfect closed areas.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Gray's Manual of Botany.
Fernald. M. L.
Author: Fernald. M. L.
Rating:
Publisher : A bit dated but good and concise flora of the eastern part of N. America.
Date of Publication : 1950

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.