An indispensable genus for the shade garden, Polygonatum (Solomon'seals) are rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with erect or gracefully arching stems bearing lustrous, elliptic leaves and whitish, pendulous flowers hanging from the leaf nodes. The blossoms are usually followed by black or red berries which add to the charm of the plant. The foliage persists until frost and turns a lovely tan yellow in the fall. Low care, they are terrific for the woodland garden and require fertile, well-drained soils.