As a polyploid complex, Polygonatum biflorum is variable as to plant size, flower number, and ecology. Tetraploid forms are usually larger and coarser than diploid forms with more flowers per peduncle and more major veins per leaf, though some diploid forms are fully as large as any tetraploids[].
Tetraploid forms have sometimes been recognized as var commutatum. They were previously recognized as Polygonatum commutatum (Schult. & Schult.f.) A.Dietr., and Polygonatum giganteum A.Dietr.[].
Diploid forms have sometimes been recognized as var biflorum.

Common Name: Small Solomon's Seal

General Information

Polygonatum biflorum is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a rhizomatous rootstock. It produces a cluster of erect to arching, unbranched, leafy stems around 50 - 200cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

The fruit and seed are possibly poisonous[].
The berries contain an anthraquinone that causes vomiting and diarrhoea[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eastern and central N. America - Saskatchewan to Quebec and Maine, south to Arizona, northeast Mexico and Florida

Habitat

Dry to moist sandy, loamy or rocky deciduous woods and thickets, usually in upland areas[]. Dry to moist deciduous woods, in sandy soil, roadsides, railway embankments, old fields; at elevations up to 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Polygonatum biflorum is a very cold-hardy plant, being able to tolerate temperatures down to around -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 they tolerate most other conditions[].
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[].
A very ornamental plant, it grows well in woodland and copses[, ].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[].
The young shoots are very attractive to slugs[].
Hybridizes with other members of this genus[].

Edible Uses

Young shoots - raw or cooked[, ]. An excellent vegetable when boiled and used as an asparagus substitute[].

Rhizomes - cooked[, , ]. The rhizomes can be from 1 - 3cm thick[]. Those of larger varieties are said to have a parsnip-like flavour[].The flavour is generally somewhat bitter - to counteract this the rhizome is sliced crosswise, cooked in alkaline water and the water changed during the cooking process[]. When steamed and sun-dried nine times the taste is delicious[]. The roots are rich in starch, this can be extracted by beating or grinding the dried root, the starch can then be used to make bread or can be mixed in other foods such as soups[, , , , ].

Medicinal

A tea made from the roots is laxative[]. It has been used in the treatment of indigestion, profuse menstruation, lung ailments, general debility etc[]. It is a folk remedy for piles, rheumatism and skin irritations[].
A decoction of the root has been used as a herbal steam inhalant as a treatment for headaches[].
A poultice or a decoction of the fresh roots is applied to cuts, bruises, sores etc[, ].

Other Uses

The root has been burnt as an incense[]. It is said that when the root is burnt in the bedroom just before going to sleep, the person would sleep soundly and awaken refreshed, rested and feeling young[].

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.