skip to main content

What Is This?

13 years ago

Several years ago I came across a plant growing in the wooded section at the bottom of my My Back Yard. I've never caught it flowering but apparently it does because its multiplied to four plants, two of them a fair distance away from the original.

I don't know if this is a Native species or an example of some type of domestic plant gone wild. It grows in full to dappled shade and never seems to get any bigger than what is shown. I transplanted one of the plants to the front yard in a shade garden nursery bed I just started. Next year will have more beds to take the overflow.

Anyone know what this plant is?

Comments (7)

Carrie B
13 years ago
It looks like an asarum/hexastylis. There are several native and non-native varieties. Yours looks like it could be this one:

Here is a link that might be useful: H. arifolia
Iris GW
13 years ago
Yes, I think it is Hexastylis arifolia, heart-leaved ginger. Also called "little brown jug" because the flowers (which are at ground level and pollinated by ants) look like little jugs. It's a fun plant to show to kids in the spring when the flowers can be found by pulling back any dead leaves that are covering them.
Related Discussions
What is this, what's it doing, and what do I do with it???
Q
Comments (5)
Fantastic! Thank you guys....close to a Monstera then, but their labelling could have been somewhat better! I shall try very hard to keep up the good work (although I suspect the plant's success is more down to the plant itself than to anything I'm doing!! - maybe it just likes my windowsill.....) Thanks again - I'm off to read up on it now :-)
...See More
What's coming up? What's coming back? What's probably not?
Q
Comments (5)
The only colorful bulbs are crocuses and a few Siberian squill, no open flowers yet, but you can see the colors in the closed blossoms. The daffodils don't seem to have even emerged yet. There's a pansy or two in bloom. Lots of other stuff going on Â corn salad has come back; sorrel, thyme, and sage have leafed out. Brambles have leaf buds, some (blackberries) starting to break. Celeriac and just a couple of kale and chard plants seem to have made it through the winter.
...See More
what’s your best guess what color this is?!
Q
Comments (8)
I like your house color as it is; very craftsman-like. I do think the garage doors should be painted so that they do not stand out and call attention to themselves. I think your front porch is lovely and should be where our eyes want to go. I definitely agree with Patricia...white is not a good choice for this home.
...See More
What type of edge? What color? What color grout?
Q
Comments (3)
Thank you I am leaning towards white grout. We want a very tight grout line. But I think I prefer a gap between counter and door frame.. I am not sure i would like the tile extending past the countertop
...See More
troutwind
Original Author
13 years ago
I checked Hexastylis arifolia on Google and agree with both of you, its HF without a doubt. the location of its flowers explains why I never noticed them.

Thank you both for the help. This is a lot like having a reference library at your fingertips and I love it.
Bill
Lynda Waldrep
13 years ago
Depending on the exact type, some can continue to increase the clump size by producing more and more leaves. I have seen clumps with 25 or more leaves, and they are stunning. A few critters do like to munch on them, so often clump sizes remain small.
Iris GW
13 years ago
I have a couple of really big clumps in a "garden" setting where they get optimal morning sun. Occasionally, the deer eat them. But then they put out new leaves, if not that year then for the next year.
Mark (wildflowerman_2000) Rose
13 years ago
Hi troutwind,
I don't know exactly where in TN you are located but this is probably Hexastylis arifolia var. ruthii. There are three varieties of this species each with slight variances in flower shape. The var. ruthii for me makes the most beautiful clumps of the three. These all bloom very early in spring and as someone stated you will have to move the leaves to see the little brown jugs. Start checking in mid March through early May to find the flowers. Regards,
Mark(wildflowerman_2000)
troutwind
Original Author
13 years ago
I'm looking forward to next spring so get a look at the flowers. I have one clump (pictured) in a garden setting and hope it will do well. I plan to get some photos of the flowers.

Once again thanks for all the information.
Bill

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

KITCHEN OF THE WEEK Kitchen of the Week: What’s Old Is New Again in Texas

By Becky Harris

A fresh update brings back a 1920s kitchen’s original cottage style

REMODELING GUIDES What’s on Your Design Wish List This Year?

By Laura Gaskill

Use winter days to begin planning your 2016 projects. Here’s a bit of inspiration to get you started

ARCHITECTURE Room of the Day: Home Is Where This Hearth Is

By Annie Thornton

A wood structure sans fire anchors a Texas home’s center and creates connections

MUDROOMS Room of the Day: This Mudroom Is Just Plain Hot

By Mary Jo Bowling

Wait till you see what’s behind the hooks and bins in this genius family drop zone

FURNITURE Design Talk: What is a Settee?

By Erika Ward - Erika Ward Interiors

See This Elegant Seating Solution in Dining Room, Office, Entry and Bedroom

MOST POPULAR Decorating 101: How Much Is This Going to Cost Me?

Learn what you might spend on DIY decorating, plus where it’s good to splurge or scrimp

KITCHEN DESIGN Houzz Quiz: What Kitchen Countertop Is Right For You?

By Jennifer Ott Design

The options for kitchen countertops can seem endless. Take our quiz to help you narrow down your selection

GARDENING GUIDES Fall Is Calling: What to Do in Your October Garden

By Annie Thornton

Get a jump on winter prep or just sit back and watch the leaves fall. The beauty of an autumn garden is in all the choices you have

ARCHITECTURE What the Heck Is 'Good' Design Anyway?

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

We yearn for it and strive for it, but good home design isn't always easy to grasp. These 8 prescriptions from an architect can help

THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE What Is Organic Architecture, Anyway?

By Andrew T Boyne Architect

Practitioners of organic architecture seek to connect houses more closely with their natural surroundings. Here's how they do it

Sponsored

Peabody Landscape Group

8 Reviews

Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting