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Mariton: Solomon’s Seal

May 2, 2013

by Tim Burris, Preserve Manager

Solomon's Seal

Since today is Maureen’s and my 26th wedding anniversary, I’ll talk about another wildflower in bloom right now.  Solomon Seal (Polygonatum biflora)  is a pretty plant.  The flowers are small and hidden under the arching stem and leaves.  We didn’t have Solomon’s Seal flowers at our wedding, but I still associate the flower with our anniversary. 

Solomon's Seal Blossoms

There are different explanations for the flower’s name and the relationship to King Solomon.  It is a stretch, but I associate the flower with the great love poem found in Song of Solomon 8: 6 – 7.  These verses were read at our wedding.  While the verse isn’t about the wildflower, I always associate the poem, the flower and our wedding together.  Since the flower blooms during our anniversary it is another link.  I have quoted it before on the blog, but it is so lovely that I can’t resist.  Solomon sure had a way with words.

Song of Solomon 8: 6 – 7

Set me as a seal upon your heart,

as a seal upon your arm;

for love is strong as death,

jealousy is cruel as the grave.

Its flashes are flashes of fire,

a most vehement flame.

Many waters cannot quench love,

neither can floods drown it.

If a man offered for love

all the wealth of his house,

it would be utterly scourned.