Polygonatum biflorum is a graceful native woodland perennial known as Solomon’s Seal, with elegant arching stems lined with paired bell shaped flowers that dangle in early spring. Its clean green foliage turns golden yellow in fall and its rhizomatous habit makes it a slow spreading ground cover in shaded spaces.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 18 - 30 in
Bloom Time: Spring
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, rich, well drained woodland soils
Watering Needs: Moderate; benefits from consistent moisture during active growth
Deer Resistance: Typically avoided by deer due to its mildly toxic properties
Native Status
Polygonatum biflorum is native to eastern North America and is a classic member of deciduous woodland ecosystems.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Attracts native bumblebees and miner bees that seek nectar from the dangling tubular blooms.
Butterflies
- Provides spring nectar for early flying butterflies such as Spring Azures and Duskywings.
Birds
- In fall the ripened blue berries are eaten by thrushes, catbirds, and other woodland songbirds.
Beneficial Insects
- Dense low foliage provides protective habitat for ground beetles and predatory spiders that help manage pests.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow slow colony formation and maintain graceful form.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for naturalized shade gardens, woodland borders, or underplanting deciduous trees with spring emphasis.
Companion Plants
- Epimedium x perralchicum 'Frohnleiten' - Spreading ground cover with yellow spring flowers that echo the soft tones of Solomon’s Seal and thrive in dry shade.
- Ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris) - Tall feathery fronds provide seasonal contrast and texture behind the arching form of Polygonatum.
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Silver Heart' - Silvery heart shaped leaves brighten shade gardens and pair elegantly with Polygonatum’s soft blooms.
- Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - Compact, shade tolerant native with frothy flower spikes that bloom in sync with Solomon’s Seal.
- Heuchera villosa 'Autumn Bride' - Fuzzy light green foliage and late summer flower sprays complement the graceful structure of Polygonatum biflorum.