Little Brown Jug

(Also known as Heartleaf ginger) Host for the Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly (Battus philenor).

Heart-leaf ginger is an evergreen herbaceous perennial in the pipevine family (Aristolochiaceae) native to the southeastern United States that can be found growing in dry woodland settings.

The plant creeps along by underground stems and grows up to 8 inches tall. It prefers dappled shade to partial shade, but not full shade, in moist, well-drained soil that is not allowed to dry out. Propagate by seed or division. When conditions are right, it will self-sow.

The leaves grow directly from the underground stems and are arrow-shaped, green or variegated and up to 8 inches long. The unusual flowers lie along the ground from leaf axils and are jug-shaped and brownish to reddish. The leaves and stems have a slight ginger or peppery smell. Although not reported in the literature to be toxic, the foliage of other members of this genus is toxic. Do not consume any parts of this plant.