Evergreen Wild Ginger

Common Name: Evergreen Wild Ginger, Little brown jug, Heartleaf

Scientific Name: Hexastylis arifolia

Family: Aristolochiaceae (Birthwort Family)

Habit: Low growing ground cover type herb. It has attractive, heart-shaped pale, whitish green leaves with dark green veins and margins. Its close relative, Hexastylis shuttleworthii, has dark green leaves and whitish green venation. Leaves are up to 8 inches long and held no more than 4 inches off the ground. The common name Heartleaf refers to the leaf shape, while the common name Little brown jug refers to the unusual flowers. It is slow-growing and remains in isolated clusters, not forming a large mat.

Photo by Alan Cressler, via Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Plant characteristics: Perennial. Alternate evergreen leaves, smooth with an entire margin and heart-like shape. Color is whitish-green with dark green veins and margins. Monecious (male & female flower parts on one plant), the fruit is a capsule. The plant itself is only two to four inches tall. The bloom is inconspicuous purplish to brown and appears March through May.

Native Distribution: Southeastern North America, Zones 6 to 8 , found in AL, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, and VA. Preferred native habitat is southeastern forests, dry or moist.

Photo by Mark Garland, USDA

Growing Conditions: This heat-tolerant plant can live in a range of soils from dry to moist, so requires low to medium watering. It does best in partial to full shade and in acidic soil (pH 6.8 or higher). Rich, acidic soils are best.

This interesting little plant can be used evergreen herb plant for foliage interest in shade gardens or woodland landscapes, and has been noted as a winter browse for wildlife. The roots can be used for flavoring and root extracts and leaf infusions have medicinal properties.

For more information: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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