Herb: Whorled Solomon's Seal


Latin name: Polygonatum verticillatum


Synonyms: Convallaria verticillata


Family: Convallariaceae



Edible parts of Whorled Solomon's Seal:

Tender leaves and young shoots - cooked as a vegetable. They can be used as an asparagus substitute. Root - cooked. Rich in starch.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
120 cm
(4 feet)

Flowering:
June
to July

Habitat of the herb:

Margins of woods, clearings and shady rocky places, usually on acid soils.

Propagation of Whorled Solomon's Seal:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a shady part of a cold greenhouse. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Germination can be slow, they may not come true to type 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.

Cultivation of the herb:

Margins of woods, clearings and shady rocky places, usually on acid soils.

Medicinal use of Whorled Solomon's Seal:

None known

Known hazards of Polygonatum verticillatum:

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, some members of this genus have poisonous fruits and seeds.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.