Solomon’s seal Polygonatum multiflorum
Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum multiflorum) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Asparagaceae family, native to Europe and western Asia. It grows 50–90 cm (20–35 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Solomon’s seal at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe and western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Solomon’s seal toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: berries, rhizomes
The berries and rhizomes are poisonous: vomiting and diarrhoea if eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Solomon’s seal
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Solomon’s seal
- How far apart should I plant Solomon’s seal?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Solomon’s seal need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Solomon’s seal need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Solomon’s seal?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Solomon’s seal flower?
- From about May for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Solomon’s seal poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. The berries and rhizomes are poisonous: vomiting and diarrhoea if eaten.
- What grows well with Solomon’s seal?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Solomon’s seal. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
- Poisonous plants of North Carolina / Plant Toolbox toxicity, NC State Extension
Notes and assumptions
- Arching stems with green-tipped white bells hanging beneath in late spring, then blue-black berries. A classic for shade under trees. The grey larvae of Solomon’s seal sawfly can strip the leaves in early summer, but plants return.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana