Solomon's Seal

photo by Ruth Hartnup CC BY

Solomon's Seals (not to be confused with False Solomon's Seals) can be found in moist, woodland areas throughout the eastern and midwestern United States and Canada.

Large oval leaves (2-6 in) zigzag up the long, arching stems (1-3 ft). The leaves resemble those of Yellow Lady's Slippers, and it may be hard to tell them apart if the plants aren't flowering.

The plants flower from late spring to early summer with pairs of greenish-white, tube-shaped flowers dangling from the junctions of leaves and stems. The green berries turn dark blue-violet when ripe.

Did you know? False Solomon's Seals have similar leaves, but the flower clusters develop at the tip of the stems, the flowers are small and star-like, and the berries are golden.