Although not that closely related to true Solomon seal (Polygonatum biflorum), false Solomon seal (Maianthemum racemosum)—now that's a mouthful—does look very similar. It's easy to confuse the two. The flowers are the chief visible difference. With the true version, the flowers hang down from the stem like little bells; with the false, it's a panicle festively borne from the end like exploding fireworks.
Native Americans used the roots of both plants as herbal medicines. For the European settlers, knowing this made you as “wise as Solomon."
American Indians used a poultice made from the roots of false Solomon seal as an effective treatment for sunburns. It also has strong laxative properties. Strong. So, the the books are correct, its better to observe not imbibe.
I recently encountered a remarkably lush colony of the wildflower at Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge.
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