Jeffersonia diphylla aka Rheumatism Root

Jeffersonia diphylla, also known as twinleaf or rheumatism root, is a small genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the family Berberidaceae. This deciduous perennial forms a compact clump of long-stalked leaves divided into two lobes. Native to North America, Jeffersonia diphylla is a threatened species and grows in limestone soils of rich deciduous forests. It produces pure white flowers, 2.5cm wide, with eight petals, which bloom in early spring alongside the emergence of new leaves. This species prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils and thrives in areas of full to part shade. Jeffersonia diphylla was named after United States President Thomas Jefferson by Benjamin Smith Barton, and was formerly grouped in the genus Podophyllum. It is protected by state laws as a threatened or endangered plant in Georgia, Iowa, New York, and New Jersey.