Maianthemum racemosum

Photo Courtesy of K. Hubeny

Common Name(s) False Solomon’s Seal
Scientific Name Maianthemum racemosum
Family Liliaceae
Location/Vegetative Zone Thicket (Bike Path)
Flowering Period May-July
Identifying Characteristics Grows in different shades of green.

Description

  • Can grow up to 76.2 cm
  • Leaves are:
    • Alternating and veined
    • 15.24 in length and 7.62 in width.
    • Slightly hairy
  • 20 to 80 white flowers that are 4mm sprout from hairy, whitish-green stalks
  • Flowers last for about 3 weeks
  • Flowers eventually replaced by 6 mm berries, bright red or red and purple striped.

Medicinal/Edible Uses

  • Can be cooked and eaten.
  • Can be cooked to treat healing wounds, bruises, coughs, sore eyes and constipation.
  • Used as an adaptogenic herb (help mind and body adapt to stress).
  • Tea made from the roots used to treat constipation and upset stomach.
  • Tea made from the leaves used to relieve coughing and itching/rashes, and is believed to aid in contraception.

Cultural Uses

  • Ornamental in perennial flower gardens
  •  Roots
    • Native Americans would crush and mix with water to soak fishing lines and stun fish
    • Facilitate harvest from streams

Misc

  • Growing conditions
    • Light shade/partially exposed to sun
    • Moist to slightly dry conditions
    • Fertile soil with a lot of organic material, sandy soil, and rocky soil

Source

“Species Pages: False Solomon’s Seal”. Pennsylvania State University. 2009. Web.

“False Solomon’s Seal: Edible, Medicinal, Cautions & Other Uses”. Plight to Freedom. Wordpress. 2015. Web.

2,721 total views, 1 views today