Jeffersonia diphylla

Description

The twinleaf is a quite unusual but rarely cultivated N American native. It is easily distinguished by the bluish-green two-lobed leaves that gave both its Latin and common names. Think of them as green butterflies topped up in the spring by large white flowers resembling those of the bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis). Actually, the young foliage is reddish in early spring and then turns green. Awesome combination! For the edge of the woodland garden or any part shady but visible spot, so you can show it off ;)

Medicinal uses: Native Americans used the Twinleaf in various ways but mainly for dropsy, urinary problems and inflammations.

Germination: best if sown fresh or in the fall (or spring) but seeds have to be kept moist (they need a cycle of warm – cold for embryo maturation). Very good germination when sown in late fall and kept outside (image gallery). Various studies pointed out that the embryos need to reach a certain size for the germination to happen; sometimes the growth is completed only in the second year.
Read more: Growing Jeffersonia from seeds.