Common Name: Solomon's Seal

General Information

Polygonatum odoratum is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a rhizomatous rootstock. It produces a cluster of unbranched, erect, arching stems growing from 20 - 100cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. The plant is cultivated for medicinal use in Germany, and is also grown as an ornamental, there are some named forms[, ].

Known Hazards

The fruits are poisonous[, , , ].

Botanical References

,

Range

Temperate Eurasia, excluding southwest Asia, from Norway, Britain and Portugal eastwards to the Russian Far East, Japan and Korea; N. Africa - Morocco

Habitat

Limestone woods and rocky places[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.70 m
Pollinators	Bees, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Polygonatum odoratum is a very cold-hardy plant, being able to tolerate temperatures down to around -25 to -30°c when fully dormant[, ].
Prefers a fertile humus rich moisture retentive well-drained soil in cool shade or semi-shade[]. Plants are intolerant of heat and drought but tolerate most other conditions[]. Prefers a dryish soil[, ]. Does well in woodlands and copses[, ].
Especially in areas where winters are cold, the shallow rhizomes of this species will benefit from the protection given by a deep mulch of leafmould[].
The rhizomes are long and creeping, the plant forming large colonies[].
The flowers are sweetly scented[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[].
The young shoots of most members of this genus are very attractive to slugs[].
Hybridizes with other members of this genus[]. A number of named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[].

Edible Uses

Young shoots - cooked. They can be used as an asparagus substitute[, , ].

Rhizome - cooked[, , , ]. The rhizome can be 5 - 14mm thick[]. Rich in starch.

Medicinal

Solomon's seal has been used for thousands of years in herbal medicine. It is used mainly in the form of a poultice and is believed to prevent excessive bruising and to stimulate tissue repair[].
The rhizome is antiperiodic, antitussive, cardiotonic, demulcent, diuretic, energizer, hypoglycaemic, ophthalmic, resolvent, sedative and tonic[, , , , , , , ]. It is used in the treatment of, dry throat, dry coughs and coronary heart disease[]. The rhizome decreases the blood glucose level and is used in the Chinese pharmacopoeia for treating diabetes, dry cough and dry throat. It also has tonic and stimulating influence and is applied for rheumatic and arthritic disturbances[]. The plant is only used in domestic medicine in Europe[]. An infusion is used as a diuretic and stimulant to the metabolism, though no more than 3 cups per day should be taken and only over short periods[].
The rhizome can also be applied externally as a poultice to treat bruises, small wounds etc[, ]. It has also been used to remove freckles[, , , , ].
The thizome is harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use[].
The rhizome should not be used internally except under expert supervision[].

The plants contain steroidal saponins[].

Other Uses

An extract of the rhizomes, and also the dried and powdered rhizomes, are used as ingredients in commercial cosmetic preparations as skin conditioners[]

The plants are used as a biological insecticide in China.[]

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a shady part of a cold greenhouse[]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Germination can be slow, they may not come true to type[] 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 early spring or early autumn. 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.