False Solomon’s Seal – 6/2/20

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/2/20

Observation Time: 10:55 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)

Common Name: False Solomon’s Seal

Scientific Name: Maianthemum racemosum

Comments: This herbaceous perennial plant is unbranched and grows to about knee-high. The central stem is somewhat erect and ascending. Flowers (then berries) occur at the end of the plant. Flowers occur in a plume-like cluster of minute florets and transform into a “bunch” of ruby red berries (although they do not all ripen at the same time).

The berries are edible and somewhat bittersweet (caution: large quantities can have a laxative effect). In traditional medicine the dried rhizomes can be used to brew a tea to treat coughs and constipation.

More Information: Edible Wild Food

Note the flower at the tip end of the plant. This distinguishes it from true Solomon’s Seal, which has flowers hanging in a row along the underside of the stem.