This species flowers in spring. The rhizome of hairy Solomon's seal grows horizontally in the soil. The end of this underground stem grows upwards, spreading its leaves and flowers. This vertical portion dies back in fall and forms a scar. Then, in the fall, the shoot nearest the scar grows horizontally, extending the rhizome. The following spring, the end of the rhizome grows upward, and the cycle starts over. The number of scars on the rhizome indicates the plant's minimum age.