There is a springtime wildflower hidden amongst the shaded areas of hardwood forests and mixed chaparral habitats of the North Coast.  Here at the UC Hopland Research & Extension Center, Soloman's Plume, or False Solomon's Seal (Smilacina racemosa) is found occasionally in shaded or partially-shaded understories.  In the family Asperagaceae, it is no surprise that young shoots, while still tender, can be simmered in water and eaten with a delicate flavor reminiscent of asparagus.

This native wildflower many times grows in clonal clumps that arise from robust subterranean rhizomes, but here at HREC is usually found as single plants. This species is found all across North America and even into Central America.

The mildly fragrant flowers are visited by a wide variety of small bees, flies, and beetles and the fruits are consumed by some bird species, such as mountain quail.