Smooth Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum biflorum
Also known as: Mckittrick's Solomon's Seal
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States, Virgin Islands
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:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, greenish-white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Two-spotted bumble (Bombus bimaculatus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, hummingbirds
- 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:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 2-3 months; germination is often slow and erratic.
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.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)
- Pizzo Native Plant Nursery (wholesale nursery)
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)