Ontario Wildflowers website

Twinleaf
Jeffersonia diphylla

Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla) Other scientific names: Jeffersonia bartonis, Jeffersonia binata, Podophyllum diphyllum

Family: Barberry Family (Berberidaceae)

Distinctive features: Paired leaves, white spring flowers in low forests ("flats").

Similar species:
  •   Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) - similar flowers, but without the paired leaves.


Flowers: Spring;  White;  7 or more parts (petals)

Height: 10-40 cm (3-15 in)

Habitat: Forests

Grows in Sun/Shade: Shade

Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 364   

Native/Non-native: Native

Status: Quite rare in Ontario, only found in the very southern parts of the province.

Origin and Meaning of Names:
 Scientific Name: diphylla: two-leaved


Photographs: 103 photographs available, of which 8 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Range Map is at the bottom of the page

Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla) flower

The pertty white flower of Twinleaf.

Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla) flowers

Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla) plants

Some Twinleaf plants blooming in the early spring woods.

Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla)

Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla)

Twinleaf plants and leaves just unfurling in late April.

Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla)

This plant gets its common name of Twinleaf from its paired leaves.

Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla)

Twinleaf has unusual seed pods.

Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla)


Range map for Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla)

PLEASE NOTE: A coloured Province or State means this species occurs somewhere in that Province/State.
The entire Province/State is coloured, regardless of where in that Province/State it occurs.

(Range map provided courtesy of the USDA website and is displayed here in accordance with their Policies)