false Solomon’s seal

False Solomon’s seal is a native woodland plant that gets its common name from its superficial resemblance to Solomon’s seal (Polygotanum spp.)

Maianthemum racemosum (false solomon’s seal) is a common woodland plant native to every state but Hawaii. It is an herbaceous perennial that has alternate ovate glossy green leaves on hairy reddish or green stems that zigzag between the leaves. Each leaf is up to six inches long with strong parallel veins along its length. The foliage turns yellow to gold in the fall. In early summer small white to pale yellow fragrant flowers are produced in flat panicles at the end of the stems.

It has been used by many American Indian groups for medicinal purposes and as a minor food source.