Iron Plant Aspidistra elatior

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling

ass-pih-DIS-trah eh-LAY-tee-or

Description

Evergreen, rhizomatous perennial reaching up to 2' in upright clumps. Good specimen for planting in dense shade; this plant is resistant to damage by deer and is slightly salt tolerant. An evergreen "hosta substitute"; Excellent for low light areas as well as indoors in pots. There are some variegated cultivars. Called barroom plant because of its ability to withstand spittoonish conditions, iron plant due to its ability to withstand neglect. Utilized in exterior landscapes down south.

Prefers partial to full shade, intolerant of direct sun; needs rich, well-drained soil; drought tolerant, water regularly spring to autumn, during droughts, sparingly in winter; needs shelter from winter winds; no serious pest problems.

Quick ID Hints:

Erect, gigantic, coriaceous leaves with parallel** venations
Evergreen ground cover, it spreads by rhizomes
Petioles 7"-12" long, hosta-like leaves

Cultivars / Varieties:

'Variegata'

Tags:

#evergreen #houseplant #drought tolerant #perennial #shade tolerant #salt tolerant #low light #interiorscape #cpp #rhizomes #ground cover #fantz

Aspidistra elatior- houseplant rrei320 CC BY 2.0

Cultivars / Varieties:

'Variegata'

Tags:

#evergreen #houseplant #drought tolerant #perennial #shade tolerant #salt tolerant #low light #interiorscape #cpp #rhizomes #ground cover #fantz

Attributes:
Genus:

Aspidistra

Species:

elatior

Family:

Asparagaceae

Whole Plant Traits:
Plant Type:

Ground Cover

Leaf Characteristics:

Broadleaf Evergreen

Habit/Form:

Clumping

Erect

Growth Rate:

Slow

Texture:

Coarse

Cultural Conditions:
Light:

Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)

Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)

Soil Texture:

High Organic Matter

Soil Drainage:

Good Drainage

Usda Plant Hardiness Zone:

7a, 7b, 8b, 8a

Leaves:
Leaf Characteristics:

Broadleaf Evergreen

Leaf Color:

Green

Purple/Lavender

Red/Burgundy

Leaf Shape:

Lanceolate

Ovate

Leaf Margin:

Entire

Hairs Present:

No

Leaf Length:

> 6 inches

Leaf Description:

Basal, erect, long-petiolate, solitary, gigantic, ovate to lanceolate, acute, entire, glabrous with 16-20 parallel veins, coriaceous, dark green to reddish-purple to variegated; 20"-24".