Polygonatum pubescens

(Willd.) Pursh.

Hairy Solomon's seal

Asparagaceae Edible: Leaves, Root 13,212 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Polygonatum pubescens, the hairy Solomon's seal or downy Solomon's seal, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to the north-central and eastern US and eastern Canada. It is a forest gap specialist.

Description

Polygonatum pubescens is a hardy perennial reaching 1 m tall, suitable for UK zone 3. It flowers from April to June with hermaphrodite, bee-pollinated blooms and self-fertile characteristics. The plant thrives in light, medium, or heavy soils with good drainage, tolerating mildly acid to basic pH levels. It grows equally well in full shade or semi-shade and prefers consistently moist conditions.

Edible Uses

Young shoots are cooked and work well as an asparagus substitute. The root, which can be up to 18mm thick, is also eaten cooked and is rich in starch.

Medicinal Uses

A decoction of the plant has been used to treat spitting up of blood. An infusion of the roots has been used as an eye wash for snow blindness.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a shady part of a cold greenhouse. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible. Germination can be slow, seedlings may not come true to type, and it takes several years to reach a good size. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in a shady position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, then plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Divide in March or October. Larger divisions can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller ones are better potted up and grown on in light shade in a cold frame until well established before planting out in late spring or early summer.