Across the Asparagaceae family, the Polygonatum genus contains a range of species from the compact P. biflorum at 3 feet to the commanding P. biflorum var. commutatum at 6.5 feet or more, all sharing the same quietly elegant architecture: unbranched arching stems, alternate parallel-veined leaves in a single plane, and small tubular yellow-green flowers that nod from the leaf axils in spring. They spread by rhizome to form colonies in time, but unhurriedly, and they are among the most shade-tolerant ornamentals available to the American gardener.

Solomon's Seal prefers organically rich, moist, cool soil in partial to full shade, though it has more drought tolerance than its woodland-native credentials suggest, at least in forested settings. Young shoots are edible, prepared like asparagus, though the berries are toxic. Division in spring or fall is straightforward and the easiest way to multiply a planting. Few shade garden plants match its ability to bring visual coherence to a composition without demanding attention.