Solomons Seal, False (Maianthemum racemosa), packet of 10 seeds

Family:  Asparagus (Asparagaceae)
Hardy to Zones 3 to 8

(False Solomon’s Seal, Treacleberry, Solomon’s Plume) Herbaceous perennial forest dweller distinguished from “true” Solomon’s Seal by the large red fruits that occur in a cluster at the tip of the plant, as opposed to Polygonatum biflorum, where the fruits occur in pairs at the base of each axil. The red fruits of False Solomon’s Seal are edible.  They are very sweet and sticky, candy-like, leading us to dub this the “gummy bear of the forest.”  See photo in gallery of an actual maianthemum gummy bear.     More seriously, this plant was extensively utilized by Native Americans.  For instance, the Cherokee used a cold wash of the plant for treating sore eyes.  The Chippewa used the fumes of the burning root for treating headaches and pain.  The Fox medicine people used the root as an invocation before casting spells.  The Iroquois used the fresh plant poultice to treat snakebite or infection.  The Micmac used the fresh plant poultice to treat rashes and itch.  Plant prefers part to full shade and rich, moist, deep soils.  It grows with great abandon in moist places near the coast and also occurs in sheltered forest zones throughout the Eastern and Western woodlands.  We keep these seeds under refrigeration.  Please sow as soon as possible after receipt.  Sow in cool, moist shade.  Sow in fall to early spring, with germination in the spring as the ground warms up.  Individuate seedlings to pots and grow out for a year before transplanting to landscape.  This is a colony forming plant that will eventually spread if given prime conditions.

10 seeds per packet, open pollinated, untreated, NO GMO’s