Great Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum commutatum
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Polygonatum commutatum, the great or giant Solomon's seal, is a bold native perennial of the eastern North American woodlands, sending up tall, unbranched, gracefully arching stems clad in broad, oval, alternate leaves. From the leaf axils along the underside of each stem hang small, creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers, usually in pairs, in late spring and early summer.
The flowers give way to small dark blue-black berries in late summer, and the clean foliage holds through the season before turning a soft gold in fall. The largest of the native Solomon's seals, this species can rise several feet, arching over lower woodland plants and lending strong horizontal line and structure to a shaded planting.
The name Solomon's seal is old, said to come from the round, seal-like scars left on the rhizome where each year's stem breaks away, or from a long tradition of using the root to seal wounds. Native American and European herbalists alike valued that rhizome, poulticing it for bruises and joint injuries and taking it as a tonic, a use taken up again by modern herbalists.
Grow great Solomon's seal in the dappled shade of a woodland garden, a shaded border, or a forest-edge planting, in rich, moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. The plant spreads slowly by rhizome into handsome colonies, pairs beautifully with ferns, hostas, wild ginger, and other shade companions, and is largely passed over by deer. The blue-black berries are toxic if eaten, so site away from where small children graze.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 3–8
- Sun
- Part Shade, Full Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, Rich
- Mature size
- Height 3–5 Feet · Spread 1–2 Feet
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Dies back, depends on zone
Creamy-white pendant bells in pairs, late spring to early summer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is shared for traditional and educational interest only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before any medicinal use.
- Berries are toxic if eaten
- Traditional use only, not clinically evaluated
- Consult a professional before use
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
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Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.