Maianthemum racemosum
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 M. r. subsp. amplexicaule, Squak Mountain State Park, Issaquah, Washington
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| Maianthemum racemosum (L.) Link |
Maianthemum racemosum (Treacleberry, False Solomon's Seal, Solomon's plume[1] or False Spikenard; syn. Smilacina racemosa) is a species of flowering plant in the family Ruscaceae, native to North America.
It is 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.
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[edit] Distribution
Maianthemum racemosum grows in montane habitats across North America up to 7,000 feet. The healthiest and most profuse stands of this plant are typically found in partial shade and deep, moist, soft soils.
[edit] Uses and Identification
The young shoots, while still tender and stripped of their leaves, can be simmered in water and eaten. Their delicate flavor is somewhat reminiscent of asparagus. However, they should not be collected for this purpose unless they are obviously abundant.
Although the young shoots are edible, the plant becomes too fibrous and bitter to enjoy after it completes flowering and seed setting stages. The Ojibiwa Indians harvested the roots of this plant and cooked them in lye water overnight to remove the bitterness and neutralize their strong laxative qualities.
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 plant was also used by Native Americans as a cough suppressant.
When young, Maianthemum racemosum may closely resemble members of the genus Veratrum, a highly toxic member of the Lily family to which it is distantly related. Consequently, this plant should not be consumed unless identification is positive. [2]
[edit] See also
- M. stellatum, also known as False Solomon's Seal
[edit] References
- ^ Solomon's-plume (False Solomon's-seal). Connecticut Botanical Society.
- ^ Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West, Gregory L. Tilford, ISBN 0-87842-359-1
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