Jeffersonia diphylla – Plant

Description

Description for Jeffersonia diphylla

Jeffersonia which is also known as twinleaf or rheumatism root is a small genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the family Berberidaceae. They are uncommon spring wildflowers, which grow in limestone soils of rich deciduous forests.

It is a clump-forming plant, flower in early spring, but continues to grow thereafter. Features long-stemmed, blue-green basal leaves which are deeply divided into two lobes that give the appearance of being two separate leaves, hence the common name.

Flowers are somewhat reminiscent of bloodroot, but the plants are unrelated and in different families. Fruit is an interesting pear-shaped dehiscent pod with a lid.Jeffersonia has showy white flowers with eight petals; the flower resembles Bloodroot. The short-lived flower appears in April or May, before the forest capy appears (see spring emphemeral). The fruit is a green pear-shaped capsule with a hinged top. Jeffersonia has showy white flowers with eight petals; the flower resembles Bloodroot. The short-lived flower appears in April or May, before the forest canopy appears (see spring emphemeral). The fruit is a green pear-shaped capsule with a hinged top.

Caring for Jeffersonia diphylla

• Young plants do not compete well and should be kept free of weeds.
• Soils must not be allowed to dry out.
• Appreciates a summer mulch to help keep the roots cool. The leaves and flowers of this plant are smooth and emerge directly from the rhizome at base of the plant.