Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All.

A small plant that keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are large and smooth and broadly oval. They are alternate and do not have a leaf stalk. The flowers are greenish-white and bell shaped. They hang down. They are in small bundles in the axils of the leaves. The fruit are small bluish-black berries.

It is a temperate plant. It does best in light to medium well-drained soil. It needs a protected, shady position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. In the Indian Himalayas it grows between 1,200-1,400 m above sea level.

The rhizomes are eaten. They can be used for starch. The young shoots are boiled and eaten like asparagus.

Plants can be grown from seed or by division.