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Berkeley, CA 94707
Phone: (510) 527-7500
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  Nature Elective


False Solomon's Seal
Smilacina racemosa var. amplexicaulis

First posted August 1, 2004 Last updated August 1, 2004

False Solomon's Seal
Photo April 24, 2004, by David Nelson

False Solomon's Seal is also called Fat Solomon's Seal, to differentiate it from Slim Solomon's Seal. This delicate flower is found in shaded areas of the redwood forest. It is fairly common at Caz, being found along the banks of Austin Creek, upstream of the footbridge, on the far (east) side of the creek, near the boy's tents. It can also be found along the uphill side of Austin Creek Road.

The delicate flowers of False Solomon's Seal
Photo April 24, 2004, by David Nelson

The large oval leaves are veined and pointed, clasping around the stem (Slim Solomon's Seal do not clasp the stem), and alternating off the single long stem. It is very often found on a slope, where the stem will trail downhill. Bright scarlet berries are produced in summer but are bitter and cathartic.

False Solomon's Seal later in summer; note alternating leaves
Photograph by David Nelson, July 25, 2004, near boy's tents along Austin Creek

References

Images of both False (fat) Solomon's Seal as well as Slim Solomon's Seal can be found on the Montara Nursery website.