Identification
This native perennial has an arching stem up to 4 feet long. Large, pointed elliptical leaves are alternate on the stem (C) with a pyramid-shaped, branched cluster of small white flowers at the end (A,B). The fruit is a small berry, first green, then turning red (D).
Similar species: Starry Solomon’s Seal (Maianthemum stellatum), has a narrower, unbranched flower cluster with fewer, but larger, star-shaped flowers at the end of the stem and striped berries. Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum) has dangling, greenish tubular flowers occurring in pairs hidden under the leaves of its arching stem. Its berries are purple.
Considered rare in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods where only a few plants have been observed in the past several years. This plant blooms in May and June.
Also known by the names, False Spikenard and False Lily of the Valley.
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