Scientific Name:

Hexastylis arifolia

Common Name:

Heartleaf ginger

Scientific Name Pronounciation:

hex-uh-STY-lus air-ih-FOH-lee-uh

Plant Type:

Groundcover

Plant Hardiness Zones:

5-9

Plant Hardiness Zone(s):

Usual Size:

2-10 in. H x 12 in. W

Flower:

Urn-like blossom is really a jug-shaped calyx with 3 pointed lobes close to the ground and is sometimes hard to find.

Bloom Time Notes:

Spring

Leaf:

Leaves are 3-6 inches long (sometimes longer) and form thick, evergreen, arrowhead-shaped triangles on long petioles arising from the rootstock

Fruit:

Wildlife:

Pollinated by small insects

Natural Habitat:

Common in rich, shady, moist woods; also sometimes in dry woods.

Propagation:

Divide older plants carefully in early spring or late fall; difficult from seed

Bloom Time:

Sun or Shade:

Companion Plants:

Cultural Notes:

Heartleaf ginger (Hexastylis arifolia) has beautiful evergreen foilage frequently decorated with an intricate, mottled pattern of silver or cream; frequently bears only one or two leaves in dry Piedmont woods, but in humus-rich locations it is not uncommon to find spectacular clumps bearing a dozen to two dozen leaves. Plant can survive with very little sun if it has sufficient moisture, but needs well-drained soil.

Brush away the leaf litter to reveal the flowers to kids in spring time.

Transplant tips: The feeder roots are fleshy and if disturbed the plant might droop and will need a little care and time to recover; keep plant moist during recovery.

 

Other Common Names: Little Brown Jug, Evergreen Wild Ginger, Arrow-Leaf Ginger

GNPS Menu

Pin It on Pinterest