Polygonatum odoratum
Encyclopedia
Polygonatum odoratum, commonly known as Angular Solomon's-seal or Scented Solomon's-seal, is a plant species of the genus Polygonatum
. In Britain it is one of three native species of the genus, the others being (Common) Solomon's-seal
and Whorled Solomon's-seal
.
with alternate, simple leaves
, on green stems. The flowers are white, borne in spring and hang from the underside of the stems.
, where it is called yùzhú (玉竹).
Polygonatum
Polygonatum , King Solomon's-seal or Solomon's Seal, is a genus of about 50 species of flowering plants. In the APG III classification system, it is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Nolinoideae...
. In Britain it is one of three native species of the genus, the others being (Common) Solomon's-seal
Polygonatum multiflorum
Polygonatum multiflorum is a plant species of the genus Polygonatum. In Britain it is one of three native species of the genus, the others being Angular Solomon's-seal and Whorled Solomon's-seal.-References:*Matthew Wood. Random House, 1997. ISBN 9781556432323; pp. 397–408...
and Whorled Solomon's-seal
Polygonatum verticillatum
Polygonatum verticillatum or Whorled Solomon's-seal is a plant species of the genus Polygonatum....
.
Description
Polygonatum odoratum is a colonizing herbaceous plantHerbaceous plant
A herbaceous plant is a plant that has leaves and stems that die down at the end of the growing season to the soil level. They have no persistent woody stem above ground...
with alternate, simple leaves
Leaf
A leaf is an organ of a vascular plant, as defined in botanical terms, and in particular in plant morphology. Foliage is a mass noun that refers to leaves as a feature of plants....
, on green stems. The flowers are white, borne in spring and hang from the underside of the stems.
Cultivation
Variegated Solomon's seal (P. odoratum 'Variegatum') is often cultivated in shade gardens. P. odoratum does well in moist, shaded soil and will spread by stolons.Use
P. odoratum is used in traditional Chinese medicineTraditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to a broad range of medicine practices sharing common theoretical concepts which have been developed in China and are based on a tradition of more than 2,000 years, including various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage , exercise , and dietary therapy...
, where it is called yùzhú (玉竹).