About Solomon's Seal
Solomon's seal is a long arching stem with paired oval leaves along its length and small green-tipped white bells hanging beneath in neat rows. The whole thing has a controlled, deliberate look that florists use for line and movement, particularly in tall arrangements where something needs to lean out and down.
The name comes from the scars left on the rhizome when each year's stem dies back, which were thought to resemble a seal or signet, and specifically the seal of Solomon. It is a woodland plant, a relative of lily of the valley, and it is grown for cutting far less than it deserves.
Primary Meanings
- Wisdom: The Solomon association
- Protection: The rhizome was used as a charm
- Healing: A long history in traditional medicine
- Grace: From the arching habit
Solomon's Seal Colors and Their Meanings
White and Green Bells
The classic; white tipped green
Variegated Foliage
Cream-edged leaves, much used by florists
Autumn Gold
The foliage colour in autumn
Blue-Black Berries
The fruit; toxic and not sold
Popular Solomon's Seal Types
Polygonatum multiflorum
Common Solomon's seal, the classic arching form
Polygonatum odoratum
Angular Solomon's seal; scented flowers
Variegatum
Cream-edged leaves, the florist favourite
Giant Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum biflorum; considerably taller
Care Instructions
Deep Water
Long stems drink steadily.
Cool Room
Heat wilts the tips first.
Cut Mature Stems
Young stems wilt; mature ones hold.
Berries Are Toxic
Do not use fruiting stems where children reach.
Best Occasions for Solomon's Seal
- Weddings: Arching line in tall arrangements
- Spring Arrangements: Its natural cutting season
- Shade Gardens: One of the best plants for dry shade
- Foliage Work: Used for the leaves alone later in the season
Interesting Solomon's Seal Facts
- The name comes from seal-like scars left on the rhizome by each year's stem
- It is a relative of lily of the valley
- The berries are toxic although the young shoots have been eaten historically
- Variegated forms are cut for foliage long after the flowers are over
- It is one of the best cut-flower plants for dry shade
How to Buy Good Solomon's Seal
Take mature stems rather than the freshest young growth, which wilts readily. The leaves should be firm and evenly green with no browning along the edges, and the bells should be crisp white with green tips rather than translucent. Look at the arch: the natural curve is what you are buying, so check it is even along the length rather than kinked. Later in the season the foliage alone is worth cutting and lasts better than the flowering stems.
Season, Availability and What Drives the Price
Late spring for flowering stems, with the variegated foliage cut well into summer. There is not much commercial trade in it, so it comes from specialist growers or from a garden. Prices are moderate to high for that reason rather than because it is hard to grow. It is genuinely easy in a shady border and one established clump supplies more cutting material than most people need.
What to Use Instead
Lily of the valley is the close relative, at a fraction of the scale and with the scent. Ruscus gives an arching green line year-round without flowers. Bleeding heart provides hanging flowers along an arching stem in the same season. Smilax gives trailing greenery for weddings. For the specific combination of arch, paired leaves and hanging bells, nothing substitutes.
Safety Around Pets and Skin
The berries are toxic to people, cats and dogs, causing vomiting and stomach upset, and the rhizome is also unsafe. Confusingly, the young spring shoots have a long history of being eaten cooked, like asparagus, which does not make the berries any less dangerous. Cut flowering stems carry no fruit, so the risk is low in practice, but do not use fruiting stems in autumn work where children can reach them.
Florist Tips for Solomon's Seal
Cut mature stems, not new growth
Young Solomon's seal wilts quickly. Stems that have hardened off hold far better and are worth waiting a couple of weeks for.
The foliage outlasts the flowers
Once the bells have gone, the arching variegated stems are still excellent cut greenery and last well into summer. Do not stop cutting when the flowers finish.
It is the answer to dry shade
If you want a cutting plant for a difficult shaded corner, this is one of the very best. One clump supplies stems for years and spreads slowly.
Common Questions About Solomon's Seal
Why is it called Solomon's seal?
When each year's stem dies back it leaves a round scar on the rhizome, and those scars were thought to resemble a wax seal or signet, specifically the seal of King Solomon. Cutting a rhizome lengthwise shows them clearly.
Are the berries poisonous?
Yes, to people and pets, causing vomiting and stomach upset. The young shoots have historically been eaten cooked, which sometimes confuses people, but the berries and rhizome are not safe.
Is Solomon's seal related to lily of the valley?
Yes, they are close relatives in the same family. It shows in the hanging white bells, though Solomon's seal is far larger and lacks the intense scent.