Downy Solomon's Seal Polygonatum pubescens

Hairy Solomon's Seal  is a flowering, herbaceous perennial wildflower native to eastern Canada and the United States. Most sources place this plant in the asparagus family, but others place it in the morning glory or lily families. It is found in partial to heavily shaded woodlands, slopes or thickets with average to moist rich soils. It is commonly found in the mountains of North Carolina and less common at lower elevations.  It can be confused with P. biflorum but it is smaller, it is distinguished by minute hairs along veins on the undersides of leaves and has a smaller number of white or yellow spring flowers that bloom in clusters of 1 to 3 blossoms (as opposed to 12 blossoms of P. biflorum). The genus name comes from Greek words poly meaning many and gonu meaning knee joint in reference to the jointed plant rhizomes. 

Hairy Solomon's Seal does best in medium to wet, well drained, humusy soil in partial or full shade. It will slowly spread by means of rhizomes and will form colonies where conditions are favorable. This plant is sensitive to heat and does not tolerate drought. Most growth and development occurs during the cool weather of spring.

Clemson University Home and Garden website has an article on planting and growing Polygonatum species.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests. Aphids, thrips, and caterpillars can be a problem.

More information on Polygonatum.