Appearance

Growth form

An evergreen perennial with underground stems, it forms clumps about 1–3 ft (0.3–0.9 m) tall.

Leaves

Each long-stalked, leathery leaf rises separately from the ground.

Flowers

Small brownish-purple, cup-shaped flowers sit at ground level and are easy to miss.

Look-alikes

Corn plantDracaena fragrans

Cast-iron plant sends individual leaves up from the soil. Corn plant carries clusters of strap-like leaves on a thick, woody stem.

Why they get mixed up · Both can be grown indoors for their broad green leaves.

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• Shady gardens in the South
• Indoor pots

Range

It is considered native to southern Japan, though an introduction from China has also been suggested. It is cultivated in the United States and recorded outside gardens in states including Alabama, Arkansas, and Florida.

Preferred conditions

It grows in partial to deep shade and well-drained soil. Its U.S. hardiness range is zones 7a–11b.

Growing it

Propagation

Its underground stems spread to form wider clumps.

Name and classification

About the name

Wild plants in southern Japan are divided into two subspecies.

Varieties and forms

Cultivars include leaves with white stripes or pale speckles.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

NENot Evaluated·Not yet assessed