I say cut it back. The plant should be going dormant soon anyway, for winter. They are very hardy plants (great for dry shade!) and will come back without a problem for you next year.

I bought my variegated Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum odoratum 'Veriegata') a number of years ago. At the time I thought the $9 for one shoot seemed like a lot. The next year I had five shoots. Now I have a large patch too big to count the number of shoots! Never fear, your SS will come back bigger and better next year ;-)
CMK

I don't have the variegated one and I didn't plant the plain green one that's growing here but it comes back every year and produces two stems. They're loaded with red berries at the moment but I read they're nearly impossible to grow from seed. It does appear to be going dormant so I'd guess yours is as well PV.

I think it's late to try for a cutting too, and cuttings aren't as reliable as division and seed anyway.

If the seed is fresh, it's not that difficult - just maybe slow, its not one to give up on and toss the pot first season assuming its a no-show. Clean off the pulp, sow within just a few days of harvesting if you can. Germination may take place in Spring, or they could be slower and take multiple cycles of varying temps and not germinate for a year.

How do you spell relief? P-l-a-n-t--s-a-v-e-d! (Sorry - that old Rolaids commercial just popped into my head.)

Thanks for the info - I'll cut off the stem and put the plant to bed.

PV

PV, the leaves die off anyway. I cut mine almost to the ground in fall. They'll come back nice and strong next year, and they spread quickly. Mine were a division from Pitimpinai several years ago. I have divided that several times since, moving a piece to another area of my yard, and also shared some with a gardener friend.

Karen

Thanks, Karen. Good to know I can salvage this plant, since it's one of the few I plan to take with me when I leave here.

PV