Skip to main content

Solomon's-plume

Smilacina racemosa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Solomon's-plume (Smilacina racemosa)
Photo: (c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Don Loarie

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Solomon's-plume is an elegant woodland perennial with arching stems topped by feathery white flower plumes in late spring. The broad, lance-shaped leaves create a lush understory appearance, and the plant produces attractive red berries in fall before going dormant for winter.

In an HOA neighborhood

Solomon's-plume is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The fragrant white flowers attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies in May and June. Birds enjoy the bright red berries that develop in late summer and fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Solomon's-plume need?
Solomon's-plume grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Solomon's-plume bloom?
Solomon's-plume blooms in May and June.
Where is Solomon's-plume native?
Solomon's-plume (Smilacina racemosa) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Solomon's-plume attract?
Solomon's-plume draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Solomon's-plume HOA-friendly?
Solomon's-plume is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Solomon's-plume? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz