ExplorePlants

Solomon's plume

Maianthemum racemosum

Solomon's plume is a lovely plant with tall, leafy stems and clusters of tiny white flowers. It grows in shady places and is a great addition to gardens and forests.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Solomon's plume has gracefully arching stems adorned with broad, oval leaves. Its tip culminates in a feathery cluster of tiny, creamy-white flowers, which mature into bright red berries. This plant stands out from true Solomon's Seal with its terminal flower plume.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAsparagalesFamilyAsparagaceaeGenusMaianthemum
Solomon's plume
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
Solomon's plume

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

113

Interesting facts

Its common name comes from unique scars on its rootstock that resemble ancient seals!

Native Americans used the roots to make healing poultices and even a nutritious soup.

Surprisingly, Solomon's plume is a relative of asparagus and lilies, despite its woodland looks!

The nodding cluster of flowers really does look like a delicate feather plume swaying in the breeze!

Special abilities

Ability

Seed Spreader

Its bright red berries attract birds, which eat them and help spread Solomon's plume seeds far and wide.

Ability

Shadow Seeker

Solomon's plume can thrive in deep shade, using dappled light to grow where other plants struggle.

Measurements & details

Height
30-90 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
0.3-0.5 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Solomon's plume?

The easiest way to identify Solomon's plume is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How tall is Solomon's plume?

30-90 cm

How wide does Solomon's plume spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on Solomon's plume?

0.3-0.5 cm

When does Solomon's plume bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is Solomon's plume edible?

Yes

Is Solomon's plume toxic?

Mild

What is Solomon's plume's lifecycle?

Perennial

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Where to spot

More Plants