PLANT OF THE MONTH

False Solomon’s Seal in bloom
May 2020 — False Solomon’s Seal
Common Name: False Solomon’s Seal
Latin Name: Maianthemum racemosum syn. Smilacina racemosa
Family: Asparagacaea
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Origin: North America
Location at Bloedel Reserve: Throughout the grounds
Garden Uses: Natural areas
False Solomon’s Seal Berries
Fun Fact: The genus name comes from the Greek words “Maios,” meaning May, and “Anthemon,” meaning blossom. “Racemosum” refers to its flower description. Flowers are formed in short stalks known as “racemes.” Being in the Asparagus family, this plant can be eaten when its young shoots emerge. The best way to distinguish the “False” Solomon’s Seal from the “True” Solomon’s Seal is that the False variety has plumes of flowers at the tips of its shoots, whereas the True Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum sp.) has pendulous flowers at each node.