Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla)
Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla), Hardy, North American perennial Description: Small white flowers resembling those of bloodroot appear on stems in early spring before the leaves expand. Unusual lidded seedpods mature in early summer. Habit: Grows to 10 inches high and 12 inches wide. Plants often go completely dormant in summer. Culture: Prefers shade and woodsy, moderately moist soils Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 5 Origin: North America Attributes: Curious fruit Jefferson documented This rare and desirable native woodland perennial was named to honor Thomas Jefferson in 1792 by the "Father of American Botany," Benjamin Smith Barton. Jefferson grew the plant at Monticello in one of the oval flowerbeds in 1807. The attractive flowers last only a few days, often appearing about the time of Jefferson's April 13th birthday. Twinleaf is well worth growing for its lush green foliage, which makes a beautiful groundcover for a shaded site. It is easy to grow, but is very slow to propagate and takes 5 to 8 years to bloom from seed. These are nursery-propagated plants.Arrives in a 2.5" pot.