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Jeffersonia diphylla (Twinleaf)

Twinleaf, Rheumatism Root, Blue Twinleaf, Ground Squirrel Pea, Helmet Pod, North American Rheumatism Root

Jeffersonia diphylla, Twinleaf, Rheumatism Root, Blue Twinleaf, Ground Squirrel Pea, Helmet Pod, North American Rheumatism Root, Shade perennials, White flowers

Jeffersonia diphylla (Twinleaf) is a compact, clump-forming, deciduous perennial with long-stemmed, blue-green basal leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), deeply divided into two symmetrical lobes, resembling a pair of angel wings. In early to late spring, brilliant star-like white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), adorned with eight petals and a showy bouquet of yellow stamens bloom singly atop leafless stalks. Both leaves and flowers are produced at the same time from the rhizome on long, purplish stems. The cup-shaped blossoms are followed by interesting pear-shaped capsule that pops open when ripe. At the time of flowering the plant is only 8 in. tall (20 cm), but it continues to grow and may reach 18 in. (45 cm) when the fruit ripens. The foliage will remain attractive until mid to late summer when the plant goes dormant. Twinleaf is perfectly suited to well suited to woodland or shade gardens, under deciduous trees where it starts out in part sun, but is in shade by summer.

  • Grows up to 8-18 in. tall and wide (20-45 cm).
  • Easily grown in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils in part shade. Full shade tolerant. Dislikes disturbance and may take a year or two to settle after transplanting. Appreciates a summer mulch to help keep the roots cool.
  • A welcomed addition to shaded gardens, rock gardens, naturalized areas, wild gardens or woodland gardens. Perfect for plantings under roses or shrubs.
  • Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails.
  • Propagate by seed in containers in an open frame as soon as ripe; divide established plants in autumn, leaving two or three new buds per clump; plants will flower in two to three years.
  • Native to eastern North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 7
Heat Zones 5 - 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Berberidaceae
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 8" - 2'
(20cm - 60cm)
Spread 8" - 2'
(20cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky
Tolerance Full Shade
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard
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Recommended Companion Plants

Podophyllum peltatum (May Apple)
Thalictrum thalictroides (Rue Anemone)
Fraxinus americana (White Ash)
Actaea pachypoda (White Baneberry)
Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot)
Maianthemum racemosum (False Spikenard)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 7
Heat Zones 5 - 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Berberidaceae
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 8" - 2'
(20cm - 60cm)
Spread 8" - 2'
(20cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18"
(30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky
Tolerance Full Shade
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

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