This is an archived copy of this article, recovered after a server failure in January 2022.

Some links may be broken, and editing is disabled. We are working to bring back full functionality.

Polygonatum odoratum
  • Solomon's Seal

a perennial member of the Polygonatum genus in the family Convallariaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Partial sun
    Partial sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • permanent shade
    Permanent shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 4
    Zone 4
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Polygonatum odoratum has 0 edible uses listed
Polygonatum odoratum has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

The fruits are poisonous[1][2][3][4].

Edible uses

Notes

Young shoots - cooked. They can be used as an asparagus substitute[5][6][7]. Root - cooked[8][6][9][10]. Rich in starch.

Leaves

Unknown use

Root

Unknown use

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Polygonatum odoratum.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Solomon's seal has been used for thousands of years in herbal medicine. It is used mainly in the form of a poultice and is believed to prevent excessive bruising and to stimulate tissue repair[11]. The root is antiperiodic, antitussive, cardiotonic, demulcent, diuretic, energizer, hypoglycaemic, ophthalmic, resolvent, sedative and tonic[12][1][13][14][15][16][17][18]. It is used in the treatment of, dry throat, dry coughs and coronary heart disease[16]. The plant is only used in domestic medicine[1]. An infusion is used as a diuretic and stimulant to the metabolism, though no more than 3 cups per day should be taken and only over short periods[1]. It can also be applied externally as a poultice to treat bruises, small wounds etc[12][1]. It has also been used to remove freckles[1][13][15][16][17]. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use[1]. It should not be used internally except under expert supervision[11].

Unknown part

Antiperiodic
Antitussive
Cardiotonic
Demulcent
Diuretic
Hypoglycaemic
Miscellany
Ophthalmic
Resolvent
Sedative
Tonic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a shady part of a cold greenhouse[19]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Germination can be slow, they may not come true to type[19] and it takes a few years for them to reach a good size. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in March or October. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Polygonatum odoratum. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a fertile humus rich moisture retentive well-drained soil in cool shade or semi-shade[19]. Plants are intolerant of heat and drought but tolerate most other conditions[19]. Prefers a dryish soil[2][3]. Does well in woodlands and copses[20][3].

Hardy to about -25°c[21]. The rhizomes are long and creeping, the plant forming large colonies[21]. The flowers are sweetly scented[22]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[23]. The young shoots of most members of this genus are very attractive to slugs[K].

Hybridizes with other members of this genus[19]. A number of named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[21].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Polygonatum odoratum. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Polygonatum odoratum.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Polygonatum odoratum
Genus
Polygonatum
Family
Convallariaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[5][6][7][8][9][10]
Medicinal uses
[11][12][1][13][14][15][16][17][18]
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
[24][19]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
4
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
partial sun
Shade
permanent shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    0.85 x 0.3 meters
    Fertility
    self fertile
    Pollinators
    Bees, Self
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

    "image:Angular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Angular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Angular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Angular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Angular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Angular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Angular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Angular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Angular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Angular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Angular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Angular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Angular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Angular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Angular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.51.61.7 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Altmann. H. Poisonous Plants and Animals. Chatto and Windus ISBN 0-7011-2526-8 (1980-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.2 Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-35666-3 (1983-00-00)
    4. ? Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.2 Harris. B. C. Eat the Weeds. Pivot Health (1973-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.1 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.1 Reid. B. E. Famine Foods of the Chiu-Huang Pen-ts'ao. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre (1977-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.111.2 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.2 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.113.2 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.1 ? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X ()
    15. ? 15.015.115.2 Kariyone. T. Atlas of Medicinal Plants. ()
    16. ? 16.016.116.216.3 Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles (1985-00-00)
    17. ? 17.017.117.2 Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre ()
    18. ? 18.018.1 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    19. ? 19.019.119.219.319.419.5 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    20. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    21. ? 21.021.121.2 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
    22. ? Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
    23. ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
    24. ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)

    Cite error: <ref> tag with name "PFAFimport-100" defined in <references> is not used in prior text.

    "image:Angular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Retrieved from "https://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Polygonatum_odoratum&oldid=79559"
    Facts about "Polygonatum odoratum"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyConvallariaceae +
    Belongs to genusPolygonatum +
    Has binomial namePolygonatum odoratum +
    Has common nameSolomon's Seal +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partLeaves + and Root +
    Has edible useUnknown use +
    Has fertility typeSelf fertile +, Bees + and Self +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone4 +
    Has imageAngular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has mature height0.85 +
    Has mature width0.3 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAntiperiodic +, Antitussive +, Cardiotonic +, Demulcent +, Diuretic +, Hypoglycaemic +, Miscellany +, Ophthalmic +, Resolvent +, Sedative + and Tonic +
    Has primary imageAngular solomons-seal Polygonatum odoratum.jpg +
    Has search namepolygonatum odoratum + and solomon's seal +
    Has shade tolerancePermanent shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferencePartial sun +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy namePolygonatum odoratum +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF material use notes migratedYes +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedNo +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
    Has subobjectThis property is a special property in this wiki.Polygonatum odoratum +, Polygonatum odoratum +, Polygonatum odoratum +, Polygonatum odoratum +, Polygonatum odoratum +, Polygonatum odoratum +, Polygonatum odoratum +, Polygonatum odoratum +, Polygonatum odoratum +, Polygonatum odoratum +, Polygonatum odoratum +, Polygonatum odoratum + and Polygonatum odoratum +