Description
Smilacina – False Solomon’s Seal –
There are 25 mainly rhizomatous perennials, in this genus. They naturally occur in woodlands in Asia, and North and Cental America. Similar to Solomon Seal (Polygonatum), they have unbranched, often arching stems with alternate, ovate-lance shaped, stalkless or short stalked leaves, and bear terminal racemes or panicles of star shaped, short stalked, scented, creamy white flowers in early summer. Flowers are followed by green berries, usually ripening to red. Excellent in a woodland garden or shaded border.
Grow in moderately fertile, humus rich, neutral to acidic, moist but well drained soil in light, dappled shade or deep shade. Divide in spring
Prone to rust, and a variety of leaf spots.
S. racemosa – Maianthemum racemosum – False Spikenard – This clump forming, rhizomatous perennial from North America and Mexico grows 36″ tall and 24″ wide. It produces elliptic, pointed, prominently veined, mid green leaves, to 6″ long, downy beneath and turn yellow in autumn. From late spring to mid summer it bears terminal panicles of many, lemon scented white to creamy white, sometimes green tinged flowers, 1/4″ across. Flowers are followed by green, later red berries.
Zones 4-9
