A spring ephemeral named for paired leaves that look like wings.

Also called: Twinleaf, Rheumatism Root

Native status: Native to eastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 15–30 cm
LifespanPerennial
OrderRanunculales
FamilyBerberidaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Jeffersonia, also known as twinleaf or rheumatism root, is a small genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the family Berberidaceae. They are uncommon spring wildflowers and grow in limestone soils of rich deciduous forests. Jeffersonia was named for United States President Thomas Jefferson by his contemporary Benjamin Smith Barton. This genus was formerly grouped in genus Podophyllum. Twinleaf is protected by state laws as a threatened or endangered plant in Georgia, Iowa, New York, and New Jersey.

Source: Wikipedia — Jeffersonia Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Spring wildflower with paired leaves; single white 8-petaled flower; pear-shaped seed pods.

Similar species. Mayapple (different leaf structure). Bloodroot (single leaf).

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Spring ephemeral with distinctive paired leaves split down the middle (the "twins"). Named for Thomas Jefferson.

§ Range

Eastern North America

§ Habitat

Rich forests

§ Threats

Forest loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the twinleaf is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant in shade gardens.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center