False Solomon's Seal

Description:

A woodland herbaceous perennial plant growing to 50–90 cm tall, with alternate, oblong-lanceolate leaves 7–15 cm long and 3–6 cm broad. The flowers are produced on a 10–15 cm panicle, each flower with six white tepals 3–6 mm long blooming in late spring. The plants produce green fruits that are round and turn red in late summer. **Beautiful (jelly bean-looking) berries growing on an unknown plant

Habitat:

Grows in bicoastal habitats in North America up to elevations of 7,000 feet. The most robust and profuse occurrences are typically found in partial shade and deep, moist, soft soils. **Woods

Notes:

This plant should be consumed in moderation, as it can act as a strong laxative in sensitive individuals. A poultice made from the roots of this plant was used as an effective treatment for sunburns by American Indians. The roots of this plant were often dried and then smoked by several Eastern Native American tribes as a treatment for hyperactivity in children and emotional depression. The Ojibwa Indians harvested the roots of this plant and cooked them in lye water overnight to remove the bitterness and neutralize their strong laxative qualities.