Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum biflorum)

Polygonatum biflorum is known by the Solomon's Seal or Smooth Solomon's Seal. At Fort Yargo State Park, I first saw it blooming along the Rock Garden trail (segment 12) and above the cliff south (segment 13) of the Fishing Area in late April. I’ve since found it fruiting along segment 3. This was the first time I had ever seen Solomon’s Seal. There’s nothing quite like stumbling across a plant legend when it’s the last plant you expect to see.

The first flowering plant I saw. They'd be easy to miss if you didn't look at just the right angle at the right time.

Buds. A closer view. The characteristic striation on the leaves is visible also.

An open bloom.

The bloom from below.

Fruit; about six weeks later, in mid-June.

Polygonatum biflorum (Solomon’s Seal) is native to the eastern United States and Canada and grows in most states east of the Rocky Mountains with the exception of Newfoundland and the Canadian maritime provinces.
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Polygonatum biflorum (Smooth Solomon's Seal)
- University of North Carolina Herbarium: Polygonatum biflorum

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum biflorum)
- Natural and Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas and Georgia: Polygonatum biflorum
- Missouri Plants: Polygonatum biflorum

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower