The oblong leaf tapers at both ends, it is 3-ribbed, and the margin is entire; its color is a fresh full green. The leaves clasp the stalk, and are set in two whorls, of 3 to 9 in number.
The flower is inconspicuous on account of its light greenish color; its 3 petals and 3 calyx-parts are long, narrow, and much recurved; the 6 stamens are colored a dark crimson-red, with brown tips, and the 3 divisions of the pistil are long and spreading. Three or four blossoms on their slender stems hang beneath the upper whorl of leaves.
The green, spidery flower of the Medeola is curious rather than pretty,—the charm of the plant lies in the slender stalk, with its two whorls of fine green leaves lightly poised about it. When the dark blue-black berry is ripe its stem takes on an upward curve, and at about the same time a crimson-red spot appears at the base of the leaves.
INDIAN CUCUMBER-ROOT: Medeola Virginiana.
| Great Solomon’s Seal. | Polygonatum giganteum. |
| Giant Solomon’s Seal. |
Found on rich banks, in partial shade, during June.
The single leafy stalk grows from 3 to 8 feet high; at first it stands erect, but later the tip curves over and downward; it is tough-fibred, smooth and fine in surface, and green.
The large broadly oval leaf is sometimes 6 inches long and 3 broad; it is pointed at the tip, and partly clasps the stalk at its base; the margin is entire, the ribs parallel and deeply marked, and the texture is fine, while the surface is smooth. In color it is a cool dark green. The leaves occur alternately along the stalk.
The tubular flower is from ½ an inch to about ¾ of an inch long, and spreads into 6 divisions. The color is pale green, the tips of the 6 stamens which first show in the opening of the flower are pale straw-color. The flowers swing on slender stems, from the angles of the leaves, in clusters of two or three (or sometimes singly,) forming a row upon the curving stalk.