Smooth Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum biflorum
Also known as: Mckittrick's Solomon's Seal
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States
Eric Hunt
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asparagaceae
- Genus:
- Polygonatum
- Species:
- Polygonatum biflorum
- USDA Symbol:
- POBI2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, green
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Two-spotted bumble (Bombus bimaculatus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- yellow
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage preferred
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded woodland areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 60–120 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–365 days
- Notes:
- Seeds exhibit double dormancy requiring warm followed by cold stratification. Germination is slow and erratic, often taking one to two years.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are cold-warm-cold stratified
Establishment: P. biflorum is found within temperate deciduous forests of North America.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Pulpy coat -- soak & rinse daily 7 days to remove.