Identification
This native perennial grows up to 2 feet tall. The large, folded, alternate, lance-shaped leaves clasp an erect to arching stem (A). The star-shaped, white flowers are in a cluster (raceme) at the end of the stem (A,B). Each flower has 6 tepals (3 true petals and 3 sepals that look exactly like petals). The fruit is first yellowish with red or black stripes (C), later becoming red or dark red.
Closely related Maianthemum racemosum (False Solomon’s Seal) has broader leaves and a pyramid-shaped, branching flower cluster with smaller, less showy individual flowers. Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon’s Seal) has dangling, greenish, tubular flowers hidden behind the leaves of its arching stem. Its berries are purple.
Grows on the floodplain near water at Fontenelle Forest where it is common along Stream Trail. At Neale Woods it has been observed in the old garden area just above the upper parking lot entrance where it was likely planted. Flowering occurs from April to June.
Also known as False Solomon’s Seal, Spikenard and Star-Flowered Solomon’s Seal, among others, some of which are shared with the other closely related species mentioned above.
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