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By Witchipedia, Herbs & Oils

False Solomon’s Seal: Propagation, Healing & Magick

Updated on:

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Written by: Dawn Black (Witchipedia)

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Reviewed by: Tina Caro

As its name would imply, False Solomon’s Seal (Maianthemum racemosum and Smilacina spp) looks quite a bit like Solomon’s-seal.

The difference, at a glance, is in the flowers and berries. False Solomon’s Seal has flower clusters at the top of the stem, while Solomon’s Seal has flowers that hang down along the stem.

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False Solomon’s Seal is a member of the Lily family in the Maianthemum genus, also called the beadrubies. It is native to North American woodlands. It grows a single erect stem from a rhizome.

Several alternate, parallel-veined leaves clasp the stem all the way to the top.(Smiacina trifolia, or 3-leaved false Solomon’s seal has three leaves) The flowers are white and star-shaped and appear in early spring in a loose bunch at the tip of the stem. They turn into red berries in the fall, which are savored by birds, especially the ruffed grouse.

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Other Names Solomon’s Seal, False Solomon’s Seal, Bog False Solomon’s Seal, Star-Flowered Solomon’s Seal, Starry Solomon Plume, Starry Smilac, Spikenard, Scurvey berry

KEY TAKEAWAYS

False Solomon’s Seal is a versatile plant with various propagation methods, making it easy to grow in gardens and landscapes.

Its magical attributes are associated with protection, grounding, and connection to the Earth’s energies, making it a valuable addition to rituals and spells.

While not commonly used in culinary applications, some people may incorporate its young shoots into salads or cooked dishes for a unique taste and potential health benefits.

Propagation

False Solomon’s Seal enjoys a moist, shady location with well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil. It will do well alongside a stream or pond and will tolerate some sun, but not full sun. It prefers a cooler situation and will benefit from mulching to keep the roots cool during hot summers. It can be grown from rhizomes or from seed, though the seed may take as much as 18 months to germinate. Plants can be divided in spring or early autumn.

Magical Attributes

This plant is a true survivor and often the first to return after a forest fire. Use it to help you through hard times and rebuild after your world has come crashing down.

Healing Attributes

The smoke of the root has been used to calm hysterics.

An infusion of the root has been used for constipation, rheumatism, as a general stomach tonic, and to regulate women’s cycles. An infusion of the leaf has been used as birth control- 1/2 cup per day for no more than a week is said to prevent conception. A decoction of the leaf is said to be useful for colds and rheumatism, 1 cup 2-3 times per day.

Externally, the root relieves pain, has antiseptic qualities and stops bleeding. The dried powdered root is a useful thing to have on hand for first aid. The crushed, fresh root makes a soothing poultice for strains, sprains, boils, arthritis, and swellings.

An infusion of the root has been used for inflamed eyes.

Culinary Use

The berries are edible and bittersweet but large quantities have a laxative effect. This is removed by cooking. Young leaves may be eaten raw or cooked and the young shoots may be eaten like asparagus.

The root should be soaked in a bowl of water with a few teaspoons of baking soda added for several hours before cooking.

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About Morningbird (Witchipedia's Founder)

I am a homesteading hearth witch who grew up along the shores of the Hudson River and has lived among the Great Lakes for the past 20 years. Together with my musical husband and youngest child, I steward a one-acre mini homestead with herb, vegetable and flower gardens, chickens, ducks, geese and rabbits, and areas reserved for native plants and wildlife. 

I have three children; two are grown, and I have been practicing magick alone and with family and friends for over 30 years.

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