Great Solomon’s Seal.Polygonatum giganteum.Giant Solomon’s Seal.
Found on rich banks, in partial shade, during June.
The single leafy stalk grows from 3 to 8 feet high; at first it stands erect, but later the tip curves over and downward; it is tough-fibred, smooth and fine in surface, and green.
The large broadly oval leaf is sometimes 6 inches long and 3 broad; it is pointed at the tip, and partly clasps the stalk at its base; the margin is entire, the ribs parallel and deeply marked, and the texture is fine, while the surface is smooth. In color it is a cool dark green. The leaves occur alternately along the stalk.
The tubular flower is from ½ an inch to about ¾ of an inch long, and spreads into 6 divisions. The color is pale green, the tips of the 6 stamens which first show in the opening of the flower are pale straw-color. The flowers swing on slender stems, from the angles of the leaves, in clusters of two or three (or sometimes singly,) forming a row upon the curving stalk.
Following the flower-bells come the globular blue-black berries, about the size of a pea; they are fully as charming as the blossoms, but seldom remain long on the stalk, since they are fully appreciated by the birds who devour them quickly. This is a plant of fine gesture, and splendid curves, too large to be figured full-size upon the accompanying plate.