About
Polygonatum canaliculatum is a rhizomatous species in the genus Polygonatum valued in cultivation. It flowers from April to June. The plant produces red or black berries after flowering; these berries are poisonous to humans. The genus name refers to the many-jointed underground rhizome.
About the genus
Polygonatum, also known as King Solomon's-seal, Solomon's seal, or sealwort, is a genus of flowering plants. In the APG III classification system, it is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Convallarioideae. It has also been classified in the former family Convallariaceae and, like many lilioid monocots, was formerly classified in the lily family, Liliaceae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Polygonatum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polygonatum
In the garden
Polygonatum canaliculatum belongs to the genus Polygonatum, a group of flowering plants distributed across the temperate Northern Hemisphere, with many species occurring in Asia. Members of the genus are grown for their spring flowers and for their creeping, jointed rhizomes — the Greek-derived genus name literally means 'many knees'. Flowers appear from April to June and are followed by red or black berries; the fruits are poisonous to humans and should be treated with caution in gardens frequented by children or pets. Several species of Polygonatum are valued as ornamental plants, and P. canaliculatum is cultivated for its seasonal interest and its capacity to form clumps via underground stems. Propagation is commonly achieved by working with the rhizomes: clumps can be divided where the joints occur to increase stock or move plants within a garden. Because it increases by its underground stems, it can be used where a reliable, spreading ground-level presence is required in temperate plantings. Take care when handling and siting the plants if berry ingestion is a concern, and rely on clump division between the rhizome 'knees' when you wish to multiply a specimen.
More in the Polygonatum genus
- Polygonatum commutatum
- Polygonatum falcatumsickle-shaped Solomon's seal
- Polygonatum falcatum 'Variegatum'Solomon's Seal
- Polygonatum latifoliumbroad-leaved Solomon's seal
- Polygonatum multiflorumcommon Solomon's seal
- Polygonatum odoratumangular Solomon's seal
- Polygonatum odoratum 'Angel Wing'angular Solomon's seal 'Angel Wing'
- Polygonatum odoratum 'Dai Koga' (v)