King Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum commutatum)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full shade
- Frost limit
- −28.9 °C
Cultivation
Prefers a fertile humus rich moisture retentive well-drained soil in cool shade or semi-shade. Grows well in woodlands and copses. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. The young shoots are very attractive to slugs[K]. Hybridizes with other members of this genus. According to one report this species is no more than a synonym for P. biflorum.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a shady part of a cold greenhouse 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.
Edible uses
Young shoots - cooked. They can be used as an asparagus substitute. Root - cooked (if there is anything left![K])
Medicinal uses
A decoction of the root has been used as a herbal steam inhalant as a treatment for headaches.
Material uses
The root has been burnt in the house for its pleasant fragrance.
Habitat
Moist woodland and copses, often by streams.
Native range
Eastern N. America - Rhode Island to Ontario and Manitoba, south to Georgia, New Mexico and Arizona.