Jeffersonis diphylla - Twinleaf from Quackin Grass Nursery

Jeffersonia diphylla emerging

Jeffersonia diphylla

Twinleaf

Plant Type:

SHADE PERENNIALS

Jeffersonia diphylla – This is the beautiful and choice North American woodlander called Twinleaf. A matching pair of open-faced kidney-shaped leaves set oppositely at the top of each wiry stem. Leaves often rise with a bronze to bronze-purple cast on folded leaves and stems turning green as they unfold and mature. Depending upon gene pool some individuals may maintain some bronze-purple in the lower portion of the stems. Pretty one-inch white rayed, sometimes cupped, ephemeral flowers occur in early spring. These are followed by the cutest and most curious seed pods. When the tops pop open they resemble tiny brown Jack-in-the-Pulpit flowers. When the tops pop seeds fly; fun for all the kids and childlike among us. The foliage and the seedpods remain good looking all season long. Small dried arrangements call for the inclusion of the empty nest. Fertile draining ground, essentially a decent woodland soil in dappled to open shade will suffice. If happy this fine perennial will accomplish modest self sowing. Lime may be beneficial though ours grow contentedly in our acid New England woodland soil. Jeffersonia diphylla is named for Thomas Jefferson. As to "diphylla" it could be argued that perhaps the only situation in which he might have been considered of two minds is on the subject of slavery. Naturally found from New York to Wisconsin, south to Alabama and Virginia. Established, potted Twinleaf from division.


 


Height:

9-14 in

Spread:

15-18 in

Colors:

White
Item Description Price  
JEFFDIP Jeffersonia diphylla (3.5 inch Square Press Fit Pot Extra Deep – 1.52 pints / 720 ml.) $16.00 Sold Out


Characteristics and Attributes for Jeffersonia diphylla

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Spring

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer

Nature Attraction

  • Deer Resistant

Light

  • Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade
  • Shade
  • Dappled Shade

Attributes

  • Natural Garden
  • Woodland
  • Rock Garden

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Slow

Soil

  • Fertile
  • Draining

Origins

  • Central and Eastern U.S.

Propagated By

  • Division

Genus Overview: Jeffersonia

Common Name: Twinleaf

Twinleaf. Each wiry stem supports a pair of mirrored kidney-shaped leaves. The ephemeral flowers in April-May are cupped daisies in a light pink to white tint. They are followed by pear-shaped seed pods that suddenly pop open spewing forth the small seed. The dried seed pods look like little stylized Jack-in-the-pulpits and can be used in small autumn/winter dried arrangements. Though not found in New England it is hardy for us in the southern reaches of the Northeast. Named for Thomas Jefferson, this most handsome member of the Berberidaceae looks great all season in the woodland garden. Site them in draining soil in dappled to open shade conditions. The following are offered by division. We’re likely to only have but a few available annually as they resent disturbance and are then very slow to size up. Be certain to check availability numbers before ordering. Only one per customer and please order early.