Edible Parts: Shoots
Edible Uses:

Starry false King Solomon's seal is an edible but relatively poor woodland food. Although its rhizomes, shoots, and berries have a history of traditional use, the berries are notably bitter and acrid, and all edible parts require careful preparation and moderation. For foragers with access to both species, Maianthemum racemosum is clearly the preferred choice, offering better flavour and a more rewarding food resource [2-3]. The rhizomes, young shoots, and berries are edible, but only after cooking and in small quantities. Raw plant parts may have a purgative effect, and this species is regarded as inferior in flavour and food quality compared with Maianthemum racemosum [2-3]. Edibility Rating: 2 out of 5 – Edible, but generally considered a poor food plant due to its unpleasant flavor and the need for careful preparation [2-3]. Taste and Preparation: Starry false King Solomon's seal berries rank among the least palatable wild fruits. Fresh berries are strongly acrid and bitter, with only faint traces of sweetness hidden beneath the unpleasant flavour. The seeds occupy much of the berry, leaving relatively little edible flesh. Cooking improves both flavor and texture, softening the berries and reducing some of the bitterness, although the cooking liquid still retains an acrid taste. The fleshy portions become reasonably acceptable after boiling, but the seeds remain best avoided unless cooked for several hours. Even then, this species never approaches the quality of M. racemosum. Like its close relative, the rhizomes and young shoots should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. Cooking improves flavor and reduces the purgative action reported for raw plant material. Native American use was generally limited to small quantities, suggesting that moderation is an important part of safe use [2-3]. Seasonality: Shoots emerge in spring, flowering occurs from May to July, berries ripen during summer, and rhizomes are best harvested outside the active growing season when food reserves are highest. Traditional Uses: Compared with Maianthemum racemosum, starry false King Solomon's seal was used much less frequently as a food. Native American use was generally limited to small amounts of cooked rhizomes, shoots, or berries, and the species was clearly considered of lower quality [2-3]. Safety: Although edible after cooking, consume all parts only in moderation. Raw plant material may have a purgative effect, and closely related species contain cardiac glycosides. Correct identification is also essential because young shoots resemble those of several poisonous woodland plants [2-3]. Fruit - raw or cooked[105, 161]. The fruit is about the size of a pea and is produced on the plant in small terminal clusters of about 2 - 8 berries[256]. It has a nice bitter-sweet flavour that is somewhat reminiscent of treacle[85, K]. The fruit is a good source of vitamin C, it has been used to prevent scurvy[213]. The fruit is said to be laxative in large quantities when eaten raw, especially if you are not used to eating it, though thorough cooking removes this laxative effect[K]. Young leaves - raw or cooked. The young shoots, as they emerge in spring, can be used as an asparagus substitute[85]. The young shoots and leaves are cooked and used as greens[212]. Root - cooked. It should be soaked in alkaline water first to get rid of a disagreeable taste[85, 213]. It can be eaten like potatoes[213].

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Vitamin C

Star-flowered lily of the valley was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. A tea made from the roots is drunk to regulate menstrual disorders[213]. A decoction of the leaves is taken 2 - 3 times a day in the treatment of rheumatism and colds[257]. Half a cup of leaf tea drunk daily for a week by a woman is said to prevent conception[213, 257]. The root is analgesic, antiseptic, haemostatic, ophthalmic, stomachic and vulnerary[257]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of stomach complaints, internal pains and to regulate menstrual disorders[257]. The dried powdered root has been used in treating wounds and bleeding[213, 257]. The crushed root has been used as a poultice on sprains, boils, swellings and limbs affected by rheumatism[257]. The pulped root has been used as ear drops to treat ear aches[257]. An infusion of the roots has been used as a wash for inflamed eyes[257].

Starry false King Solomon's seal grows well in woodland gardens with moist, fertile soils and partial shade. It is primarily cultivated as an ornamental native woodland perennial. Plants can be grown as a ground cover when planted about 60cm apart each way[208]. An inferior cover to S. racemosa[208]. The flowers attract woodland pollinators, while birds and small mammals consume the berries, helping disperse the seeds.

Special Uses