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NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Polygonatum pubescens

Hairy Solomon's-seal, Downy Solomon's-seal

Scientific Name:

Polygonatum pubescens

Genus:

Polygonatum

Species Epithet:

pubescens

Common Name:

Hairy Solomon's-seal, Downy Solomon's-seal

Plant Type

Herb/Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Plant Family

Ruscaceae (Ruscus Family)

Native/Alien:

NC Native

Invasive Status:

(*Key)

Size:

0-1 ft., 1-3 ft.

Bloom Color(s):

White, Green

Light:

Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day, Less than 2 hours of sun per day

Soil Moisture:

Moist

Bloom Time:

April, May, June

Growing Area:

Mountains

Habitat Description:

Moist forests, especially cove forests.  Frequent (fairly common to locally common) in most of the NC mountains, probably less numerous at the lower elevations.

Leaf Arrangement:

Alternate

Leaf Retention:

Deciduous

Leaf Type:

Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like

Leaf Form:

Simple

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Wildlife Value:

Important for Wildlife

Landscape Value:

Recommended and Available

State Rank:

S3: Vulnerable, S4: Apparently secure (*Key)

Global Rank:

G5 - Secure (*Key)

Notes:

The leaf undersides have clearly pubescent veins (P. biflorum does not), and is smaller, 1.5 to 2' while P. biflorum is 3-4'.

Downy Solomon's-seal has small (up to 1/2") greenish-white to yellowish flowers that dangle along the underside of the main stem; the undersides of the leaves have small hairs along the veins (you may need a hand lens to see them).

Kent Co., RI

The Scientific Name is Polygonatum pubescens. You will likely hear them called Hairy Solomon's-seal, Downy Solomon's-seal. This picture shows the Downy Solomon's-seal has small (up to 1/2

Lisa Lofland Gould

Links:

USDA PLANTS Database Record



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