Polygonatum commutatum or Solomon’s Seal is a native woodland perennial to 3 feet in height producing up to 20 clusters of pendent white flowers in spring followed by dark blue berries in late summer/fall. Best grown in a shady setting in moisture retentive soils and mulched well to prevent rhizomes from drying out in summer or freezing in winter. Dislikes transplanting, individual plants over time will grow into good sized colonies. Each arching stem is clothed in 6” long by 4” wide green leaves in parallel rows. Unlike many other spring woodland wildflowers, Solomon’s Seal will not go dormant when the heat of summer sets in. Free from most insects and diseases, it is unfortunately often eaten by deer. The genus name derives from the Greek polys(many) and gonu(joint), referring to the many jointed rhizome. The common name, Solomon Seal, is thought to refer to the starlike scars on the rhizomes that are reminiscent of the Star of David.