Smooth Solomon’s Seal: A Rare Native Gem for Specialized Gardens
If you’re a native plant enthusiast looking for something truly unique, Polygonatum biflorum var. necopinum—commonly known as smooth Solomon’s seal—might catch your attention. This perennial native has a story that’s as intriguing as it is limited, making it a conversation starter for any garden where it can thrive.
What Makes This Plant Special?
Smooth Solomon’s seal is a herbaceous perennial forb, meaning it’s a non-woody plant that dies back to the ground each winter and returns from underground structures each spring. As a member of the native flora of the lower 48 states, this plant has evolved alongside local ecosystems, potentially offering benefits to regional wildlife and pollinators.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
Here’s where things get interesting—and a bit challenging for most gardeners. This particular variety of smooth Solomon’s seal has an extremely limited natural range, currently documented only in South Dakota. This narrow distribution makes it quite rare and special, but also means that most gardeners outside of this region should think carefully before attempting to grow it.
The Rarity Factor
With a Global Conservation Status of S5TUTHQ (which, admittedly, has an undefined classification), this plant exists in a bit of a botanical gray area. While we don’t have clear data on its conservation needs, its extremely limited range suggests it could be quite rare. If you’re considering growing this plant, it’s essential to source it responsibly—never collect from wild populations and only purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that can verify their propagation methods.
Garden Appeal and Landscape Role
While specific details about this variety’s appearance and garden performance are limited, Solomon’s seal plants in general are beloved for their graceful, arching stems and elegant woodland character. They typically work well in:
- Shade gardens and woodland settings
- Native plant gardens focused on regional flora
- Conservation-minded landscapes
- Specialist collections of rare natives
Growing Challenges and Considerations
Unfortunately, specific growing information for Polygonatum biflorum var. necopinum is quite limited. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for adventurous gardeners. Without detailed cultivation guides, growing this plant becomes an exercise in botanical detective work and careful observation.
Given its native habitat in South Dakota, it likely prefers conditions similar to other Great Plains woodland plants, but this is educated speculation rather than confirmed horticultural knowledge.
Should You Grow It?
Here’s the honest truth: most gardeners should probably look for more readily available Solomon’s seal varieties or other native alternatives. This particular variety is best suited for:
- Advanced native plant enthusiasts
- Gardeners in or near South Dakota
- Those specifically interested in rare plant conservation
- Botanical researchers and specialists
Better Alternatives for Most Gardeners
If you’re drawn to Solomon’s seal but want something more accessible, consider looking into the main species (Polygonatum biflorum) or other native Solomon’s seal varieties that are better documented and more widely available. These alternatives can provide similar aesthetic appeal while being much easier to source and grow successfully.
The Bottom Line
Polygonatum biflorum var. necopinum represents the fascinating world of plant varieties that exist at the margins—rare, localized, and full of mystery. While it might not be the right choice for most home gardens, it serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity within our native flora and the importance of preserving these unique regional variants.
If you do decide to seek out this rare variety, remember to source it responsibly and consider yourself a conservation gardener helping to preserve a piece of botanical heritage. Just don’t be surprised if it takes some detective work to find reliable growing information!
