"False Solomon's-Seal"
(Maianthemum racemosum)
(Maianthemum racemosum)
2008 May 15
2008 May 15
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2008 May 27
208 May 27
2008 May 27
2008 May 27
2008 June 19
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2007 July 16
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2007 July 31
2007 August 24
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2007 August 25
2007 September 1Fall Colors
If this is False Solomon's Seal then what is true Solomon's Seal? Apparently the difference lies in the lay of the flower. True Solomon's Seal has flowers hanging from all along the main stem underneath the foliage. False Solomon's Seal puts it's flowers all out front ... on the very tip of the stem. There you have it ... and I've wondered this for ages!
This plant has been used for various things; the roots as a blood purifier; the rhizomes were eaten by some as were the berries. Its culinary uses don't seem to solicit any rave reviews. D and I tasted the ripe berries ... not too bad really, but mostly seed (2 per berry).
We found this plant in an area that we feel must be fed by an underground stream. Other, moisture loving plants, may be found nearby. It is also the moist, shady kind of place that mosquitoes like hanging out in!
"Star-Flowered False Solomon's Seal"
(Maianthemum stellatum)
2008 May 21
2008 May 21
2008 May 23
2008 June 20
2008 June 30
2008 July 8A smaller plant than M.racemosa with a different flower.
1 comment:
Interesting pictures. I just discovered True and False Solomon Seals this year, and I've learned quite a few interesting things about them.
The leaves are edible. I've cooked them and they are a bit bitter but still delicious as a vegetable should be. But I have yet to try the seeds. I read somewhere the True Solomon Seal berries are toxic, so I'm reluctant to try False Solomon Seal berries. However, your experience is quite encouraging, and I'm going to try some before autumn is over.
Hm
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