False Solomon's Seal

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Shade

(0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

False Solomon’s Seal, Maianthemum racemosum, is a shade-loving, native, herbaceous perennial that is perfectly suited for a woodland garden, or at the edge of a woodland border. It's a low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for plant. False Solomon’s Seal flowers in May and June. The showy buds and flowers appear at the end of the stem, which distinguishes it from Solomon’s Seal, which has flowers all along the stems. False Solomon’s Seal produces an abundance of fall berries that attract native songbirds. It's a must for any woodland garden.

False Solomon’s Seal is grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8. It is both deer and rabbit resistant, low maintenance, and an attractive, green foliage plant. The creamy-white flower clusters and bright red berries are an important food and nectar source for birds and pollinators. 

False Solomon's Seal Care

Plant False Solomon’s Seal in full or partial shade in average well-draining soil, ideally soil that is well amended with organic matter. This perennial can tolerate drier conditions once established. Non-branching, arching stems appear from the ground, displaying unfurling leaves and reaching heights of 1-3 ft.  Small, green flower buds grow at the tip of the arching stem and open into creamy-white, panicle-like flowers. Berries form throughout summer, turning bright red in fall and are enjoyed by birds. 

False Solomon’s Seal has a spreading habit, so it's best planted in larger shade or woodland areas where it can naturalize. It's virtually maintenance free. 

False Solomon's Seal Spacing

False Solomon’s Seal reaches 2-3 feet high with an equal spread. It makes a big impact when planted en masse, so space each plant approximately 2.5 feet apart. False Solomon’s Seal spreads by seeds and underground runners, but it is easily controlled.