False Solomon’s Seal

The arching stems of feathery false Solomon’s seal have uniformly spaced leaves and are topped by feathery clusters of white to pale yellow star-shaped flowers. The fragrant flowers bloom in the mid-spring to early summer and are followed by berries that ripen to a bright red. Feathery false Solomon’s seal is recommended for shady areas, including naturalized woodlands, beds, and borders, as well as areas near ponds and streams. This species is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Regionand current research

Soil type: Slightly acidic to neutral soil ph

Soil moisture:  Moist, well-drained soil

Sun exposure: Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily), Full shade (4 hrs or less of light daily)

Height: Medium plant (12-24 inches), Large plant (more than 24 inches)

Bloom Color: Yellow

Bloom Time: Mid spring, late spring, early summer

Benefits: Feathery false Solomon’s seal is known to attract bees, beetles, butterflies, flies, and moths. The fruit of feathery false Solomon’s seal is eaten by woodland birds and small mammals who spread the plant’s seeds to new areas.

(Sources: mortonarb.com / leavesforwildlife.com /vplant.org / inaturalist.org, gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org)