Aspidistra

Common Names: iron plant, barroom plant, cast-iron plant

FAMILY: Liliaceae (lily family)
Aspidistra elliator
(as-pi-DIS-tra ee-LAY-sheer)

Evergreen – Shade

HEIGHT: 24'

SPREAD: 24'

SPACING: 18'

Aspidistra with chlorosis

HABIT: Dark-green, large-leafed foliage plant. Leaves sprout from the ground. Spreads by rhizomes. Native to Japan.

CULTURE: Easy to grow in any well-drained soil. Shade and plenty of water. Called Cast Iron Plant because of its toughness.

USES: Tall ground cover, coarse texture, low light area. Container plant.

PROBLEMS: Edges of foliage get ragged, especially in windy areas. Grasshoppers occasionally.

NOTES: Not easily apparent, the cast-iron plant bears its flowers and fruits just beneath the soil line.

From Howard Garrett
Texas Gardening - The Natural Way,
The Complete Handbook<

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