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.