The real Solomon's seal (Polygonatum odoratum) is colloquially often referred to as fragrant claret, although the plant is often confused with the similarly growing multi-flowered claret. The plant is often planted in gardens because of its idiosyncratic shape, but it is also extremely poisonous.

All plant parts of the True Solomon's Seal are poisonous

Ornamental plant with simple beauty

True Solomon's Seal gets its special name because the dying plant material leaves a seal-like scar on the perennial rootstock in the fall. In nature, the plant is characterized by a herbaceous growth with a growth height of about 15 to 50 centimeters, but specimens cultivated in the garden can rarely grow up to 1 meter high. The delicate white flowers in an elongated bell shape hang down from the tubular perigon with its fused bracts. After flowering, black, frosted berries are formed, each containing 7 to 9 seeds.

Between mythology and symptoms of poisoning

In mythology, the real Solomon's seal is considered a veritable miracle plant. In many fairy tales and legends, this plant is the wondrous means of unlocking doors and opening springs out of bare rock. In reality, the Genuine Solomon's Seal was used in natural medicine in different cultures as an active ingredient with an emetic effect. The unusual plant should be treated with some caution as an ornamental plant, as all parts of the plant contain homoserine lactone, chelidonic acid and various saponins. The concentration of toxins is highest in the ripe berries, but consumption usually only leads to slight symptoms of poisoning with diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Plant Solomon's Seal in your own garden

In the garden, shady areas on the north side of the house or under trees often pose a problem, since the ground there is often difficult to green. The real Solomon's seal, on the other hand, prefers to grow in shady and semi-shady locations. The following care instructions should be observed:

  • Young plants should never dry out completely
  • after a few years, stocks can easily be propagated by dividing the roots
  • Ideally, fertilizer should be applied when the plants sprout in spring
  • Faded stems should not be cut off until autumn so that the plants are not unnecessarily weakened

tips

Unfortunately, the true Solomon's seal is very susceptible to infestation with the larvae of the larvae of the Solomon's seal sawfly. This can be recognized by gnawed leaves, where only the veins of the leaves remain. The caterpillars should be collected manually if possible. If necessary, an insecticide from a specialist shop can also be used.

Category:

Vegetable garden