Polygonatum

Polygonatum is a genus of flowering plants in the Asparagaceae family, commonly known as Solomon's seal. The genus comprises about 60 species of herbaceous perennials native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with a strong presence in Asia. They are valued for their arching stems and ornamental foliage.

Plants are rhizomatous and feature slender, arching stems with simple, lanceolate leaves. The flowers are small, tubular or bell-shaped, usually white to greenish-white, and hang pendulously in racemes from the leaf axils. They bloom in late spring to early summer. After flowering, the plants form small berries that mature to black or bluish-black in late summer or autumn.

In cultivation, Polygonatum adapts to shade and moist, well-drained soils, making it a popular choice for woodland and border plantings. It is commonly propagated by division of rhizomes in spring or autumn; seed propagation is possible but slow and often requires stratification. Varieties and cultivars, including variegated forms such as Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum', are grown for leaf color and growth habit.

Ecology and toxicity: bees pollinate the flowers, and birds disperse the berries. All parts of Polygonatum can be toxic if ingested by humans or animals, so handling and garden placement should be considered with care. The genus name derives from Greek words meaning “many joints,” a reference to the rhizome segments found in some species.