Smilacina [Maianthemum] racemosa #1 (False Solomon’s Seal)

False Solomon’s Seal, also called Solomon’s Plume, is a graceful native woodland wildflower. It has a clump-forming growth habit with slowly spreading rhizomes. All of the tall, zig-zagging stems arch out towards the light in the same direction and form creamy white, fragrant plumes in late spring to early summer which last for about three weeks. The flowers attract many bees and beetles, offering pollen in exchange for their pollination services. Green berries in grape-like clusters follow the flowers, turning white with red speckles and then ruby red by fall, adding a high degree of interest to the shade garden. Woodland bird species and small mammals eat the berries and distribute them to new destinations.

The new shoots of False Solomon’s Seal can be prepared and eaten like asparagus, and the fleshy rhizomes were used medicinally by Native Americans and herbalists. As with any edible or medicinal plant, proper research must first be done before use.

Sources:
Growing and Propagating Wildflowers by William Cullina
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Steven Foster and James A. Duke
Peterson Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants Eastern/Central North America by Lee Allen Peterson
Missouri Botanical Garden
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Illinois Wildflowers
Native Plant Herald-Plants That Grow Under Black Walnut Trees