#rheumatism root

[vandaliatraveler]

Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla) is an unusual spring ephemeral immediately recognizable by its divided leaf structure, composed of two symmetrical lobes with shallow to broadly-toothed margins. Its flowers, which superficially resemble those of bloodroot but with distinctive, pear-shaped ovaries, emerge in early April when the leaves are at about half of their mature height and drop their delicate white petals shortly after pollination.  In my experience, bloom time for this plant is less than a week, so if you snooze, you lose. Also known as Jeffersonia in honor of Thomas Jefferson, this lovely perennial is one of Appalachia’s most threatened wildflowers due to habitat loss and competition from invasive species, such as garlic mustard.  Fortunately, it seems to be holding its own along the Mon River Trail.

[vandaliatraveler]

One of the most unique of Appalachia’s wildflowers, twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla), also referred to as Jeffersonia and rheumatism root, features long-stemmed, heavily veined and textured basal leaves that are deeply dissected into twin lobes, which give the plant its common name. This clump-forming perennial produces striking white flowers in early to mid April, but they only last a week or so; they bear a superficial resemblance to those of bloodroot. Although the flowers go fast, the plant continues to grow vigorously through the summer and makes an interesting foliage component for native wildflower gardens (although it can be somewhat finicky about where it grows). The photos above were taken along the Mon River Trail.