Solomon's seal

Polygonatum odoratum (Asparagaceae) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial native across Eurasia from Europe to Japan. It grows 1 to 2 feet tall with arching stems bearing alternate, oval leaves arranged in two ranks. Small, tubular, white, fragrant flowers hang in pairs from the leaf axils in spring, followed by blue-black berries.

Fragrant Solomon's seal thrives in part shade to full shade on moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It spreads slowly by rhizomes to form graceful colonies. The variegated cultivar 'Variegatum' (white-edged leaves) is widely grown. The species is deer resistant and virtually pest- and disease-free. Hardy in Zones 3 to 8.