Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum biflorum
native
Other Names:
Smooth Solomon's-seal, Great Solomon's-seal
Solomon's Seal is a native plant found throughout Virginia. It is in the asparagus family, along with False Solomon's Seal, which also is found at Monticello Park. The origin of the name is unclear. "Solomon's Seal" might refer to the large circular scars (seals) on its roots, which are thought to resemble the pattern on a signet ring attributed to King Solomon in Jewish, Islamic, and western occult folklore. The name might come from the resemblance of the scars to Hebrew characters. Yet another explanation is that the plant was used to "seal" wounds.
Identification Tools
Illinois Wildflowers
Friends of the Wildflower Garden
Go Botany
Missouri Botanical Garden
Ranges
Return to the Index