King Solomon's Seal, Smooth Solomon's seal

Medicinal Uses

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves  Root  Shoots | Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked. They can be used as an asparagus substitute. Root - cooked[22, 161]. A parsnip-like flavour[212]. Rich in starch, it can be dried and ground into a powder then used as a thickener in soups etc or can be added to flour when making cakes, bread or whatever[46, 61]. The root should be boiled and sun-dried nine times, it is then delicious[179] (if there is anything left![K])

Cultivation

Prefers a fertile humus rich moisture retentive well-drained soil in cool shade or semi-shade[200]. Plants are intolerant of heat and drought but tolerate most other conditions[200]. Grows well in woodlands and copses[1, 42]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. The young shoots are very attractive to slugs[K]. Hybridizes with other members of this genus[200]. According to one report this species is no more than a synonym for P. biflorum[200].

Known Hazards

The fruit and seed are thought to be poisonous[65].

Habitats

Moist woodland and copses, often by streams[43, 235]. Plants are rarely found in dry soils[235].