Found growing naturally in much of the Northern Hemisphere and popular in ornamental gardens worldwide, Solomon’s seal offers attractive foliage and elegant flowers. In this guide, we’ll run through everything you need to know about Solomon’s Seal flower meaning, symbolism, and cultural significance.
The Symbolic Meaning of Solomon’s Seal – The Essentials
Solomon’s seal flowers symbolize wisdom, peace, and the triumph of good over evil. In the Victorian language of flowers, Solomon’s seal represents secrecy and conveys the message, “Give it an understanding but no tongue.”
About Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum)
Taxonomy
Polygonatum is a genus containing 73 accepted species of flowering plants. The genus belongs to the Asparagaceae (asparagus) plant family within the Nolinoideae subfamily.
Botanical Characteristics
Solomon’s seal plants have rhizomatic, tuberous root systems that produce sturdy stalks with slightly arched stems and large, glossy, ovate leaves. The flowers are petite and pendulous. Bell-shaped, they gracefully hang from the leaf axils in delicate shades of white, green, or pink. They produce a softly sweet, lily-like fragrance. Red, black, or bluish berries follow spent flowers.
History and Origins
Species of the Polygonatum genus are native to temperate regions throughout the Northern Hemisphere, with a large majority (roughly 63 species) occurring in Asia.
Etymological Meaning
The genus’s scientific name, Polygonatum, comes from the ancient Greek words poly and gonu meaning “many” and “knee joint.” The name refers to the jointed appearance of the plant’s tuberous rhizomatic roots that make each tuber look like a leg with several knees.
The common name, Solomon’s seal or sometimes King Solomon’s seal, is also thought to have come from the appearance of the plant’s roots. The roots bear depressed, circular markings that resemble royal wax seals. The name refers to King Solomon of the Bible.
Uses and Benefits of Solomon’s Seal
Ornamental Gardening
Several species are popularly grown in ornamental gardens, including:
- Polygonatum odoratum
- Polygonatum verticillatum
- Polygonatum hookeri
- Polygonatum multiflorum
- Polygonatum biflorum
- Polygonatum x hybridum
- Polygonatum hirtum
- Polygonatum stewartianum
- Polygonatum humile
Solomon’s seal is popular for woodland gardens or rock gardens and borders that offer ample shade.
Herbal Medicinal
Solomon’s seal also has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, and it is still in use today. When it comes to treating age-related diseases, fatigue, indigestion, lung disease, feebleness, and diabetes, the plant offers scientifically demonstrated benefits. It has also been shown to have anticancer properties, specifically against prostate cancer and lung cancer.
Additionally, Solomon’s seal has a history of treating fever, allergies, pain, and inflammation and being used as an aphrodisiac. It also has a history of use in skin care to help remove age spots and keep the skin looking youthful.
Food
Solomon’s seal’s leaves, shoots, and roots are edible and can be prepared and eaten in many different ways. In some cultures, all three parts of the plant are prepared as side dishes. Elsewhere, the stems are eaten like asparagus. The roots can be dried, ground, and used like flour to bake bread. Various parts of Solomon’s seal are also used to brew tea and flavor spirits.
The Meaning, Symbolism, and Cultural Significance of Solomon’s Seal Flowers
The Symbolic Meaning of Solomon’s Seal Flowers
Solomon’s seal flowers symbolize wisdom and peace and the triumph of good over evil.
Common Solomon’s Seal Flower Colors and Their Meaning and Symbolism
Solomon’s seal blooms with three colors of flowers that have their own symbolic meanings.
- Pink – In flowers, pink symbolizes gentle affection, attraction, or admiration. Pink flowers symbolize femininity and motherhood.
- White – White flowers typically represent innocence, purity, chastity, and spirituality. White flowers can also symbolize sympathy and mourning.
- Green – In flowers, the color green usually symbolizes wealth, prosperity, abundance, good luck, and good fortune. Green can also be a symbol of innocence.
Solomon’s Seal in the Language of Flowers
Solomon’s seal symbolizes secrecy in the Victorian language of flowers (floriography). The phrase that these blossoms could be used to convey during this era was, “Give it an understanding but no tongue.” In other words, “Keep it a secret!”
Solomon’s Seal and the Story of King Solomon
King Solomon was a prominent figure in the Old Testament and Hebrew Bible. His father, whom he succeeded, was King David. Historians estimate that he was the leader of ancient Israel from approximately 970 to 931 BCE.
King Solomon’s ring featured a seal that is said to have included a symbol comprised of two overlapping stars (like the modern Star of David found on Israel’s flag). As God had granted great wisdom to King Solomon, it is said that he used this seal for protection because it allowed him to command demons and guard against them.
On certain species of Polygonatum, one can find depressions or scars on the plant’s root tubers that resemble the symbol, and that is why Polygonatum is so strongly associated with King Solomon and earned the common name “Solomon’s seal.” According to lore and legend about the plant, it is said that King Solomon himself placed his seal upon the plant because he recognized its value in health, healing, and protection.
Solomon’s Seal in Wiccan Lore
In Wicca, the plant is associated with the water element and the planet Saturn, and it is used in celebrations of the Autumnal Equinox. Practitioners of Wicca have many uses for Solomon’s seal.
It is thought to help a person seek and accept change while also aiding in the ability to make difficult decisions. It can be used to help break patterns and change habits while also easing these transitions. In Wicca, Solomon’s seal is also used in love potions. Its inclusion is intended to strengthen commitment while also sealing the promise, oath, or spell.
When included in incense, Wiccans use the root of Solomon’s seal for protection, driving away negative energy or harmful spirits. Conversely, Solomon’s seal incense also draws in helpful spirits and positive energy. Solomon’s seal root is worn as an amulet for protection and wisdom.
Suitable Gifting Occasions for Solomon’s Seal
Solomon’s seal is a lovely blossom that can be included in bouquets of other flowers for a delicate accent. Due to its symbolism, it can make an appropriate gift for a person who has recently graduated, gained wisdom, or overcome a difficult period in life. For a fun callback to Victorian times, you can deliver it along with secret news to a close confidant.
Solomon’s Seal FAQs:
What Do Solomon’s Seal Flowers Symbolize?
In the language of flowers, solomon’s seal symbolize secrecy, wisdom, peace, and the triumph of good over evil.
Do Solomon’s Seal Flowers Symbolize Love?
Solomon’s seal flowers are not a symbol of love. They symbolize secrecy, wisdom, peace, and the triumph of good over evil.
Do Solomon’s Seal Flowers Come Back Every Year?
Solomon’s seal plants have rhizomatic roots that make them perennial so they grow back every year.
How Long Do Solomon’s Seal Flowers Last?
Solomon’s seal usually blooms in early to mid-spring and last until mid-summer.
Is Solomon’s Seal Toxic?
The toxicity of Solomon’s seal varies between species. While the leaves, roots, and shoots of certain species are edible, others can be toxic to people and dogs. The berries of Solomon’s seal plants are toxic and should not be ingested.
Solomon’s Seal Meaning: The Final Word
Whether you hope for Solomon’s seal to bring your garden wisdom, peace, or protection, it will surely add a touch of elegant beauty to any place it grows.
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.
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