Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum)
Solomon’s Seal is an early woodland bloomer that is visited by a variety of native bees (Johnson and Colla, 2023). The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird also feeds on nectar from the flowers. The berries are eaten by the Greater Prairie Chicken and various woodland birds (illinoiswildflower.info). It is an attractive plant to have in the landscape and if it likes where it’s planted it will slowly spread. Plus, it can take some dryness once established. White-Tailed Deer are quite fond of the foliage and will chomp off the tops of plants to about 6" above the ground.
Photo credit: Natureserve
Solomon’s Seal is an early woodland bloomer that is visited by a variety of native bees (Johnson and Colla, 2023). The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird also feeds on nectar from the flowers. The berries are eaten by the Greater Prairie Chicken and various woodland birds (illinoiswildflower.info). It is an attractive plant to have in the landscape and if it likes where it’s planted it will slowly spread. Plus, it can take some dryness once established. White-Tailed Deer are quite fond of the foliage and will chomp off the tops of plants to about 6" above the ground.
Photo credit: Natureserve
Solomon’s Seal is an early woodland bloomer that is visited by a variety of native bees (Johnson and Colla, 2023). The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird also feeds on nectar from the flowers. The berries are eaten by the Greater Prairie Chicken and various woodland birds (illinoiswildflower.info). It is an attractive plant to have in the landscape and if it likes where it’s planted it will slowly spread. Plus, it can take some dryness once established. White-Tailed Deer are quite fond of the foliage and will chomp off the tops of plants to about 6" above the ground.
Photo credit: Natureserve
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full-Partial-Shade
Soil Moisture: Medium-Med/dry
Height: 1-4 feet
Plant Spacing: 1.5-2 feet
Bloom Time: May-June
Bloom Color: Cream
Advantages: Bird Favorite, Pollinator Favorite, Great Landscaping Plant
Host: 1 species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (Johnson and Colla, 2023)
Resource: Johnson, Lorraine, and Sheila Colla. A Northern Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators: Creating Habitat in the Northeast, Great Lakes, and Upper Midwest. Island Press, 2023
