Jeffersonia diphylla

From Canada, south through Alabama, comes this unique native that was named after our third president, Thomas Jefferson, since it flowers on or near his April 13 birthday. This bizarre perennial member of the barberry family makes a superb specimen plant for the woodland garden. In late spring, the dusty green leaves (resembling a fat bow tie) emerge alongside the 1' tall scapes of pure white flowers. Twin leaf prefers a slightly moist but well-drained site in the woodland garden, and seems to have a preference for neutral to alkaline conditions. Our plants are nursery-propagated from seed.