Question:

I wish I had a picture but I don't.

Does anyone know what the deep green, long leaf plants are that you so often see clustered around oak trees in a ring? I don't know if it is planted like this everywhere or just in the South. I used to think they were Canna, but I guess I'm wrong. I have searched the net and can't find the answer anywhere.

What kind of blooms?
You are not thinking of liriope are you?

could be hosta's too

I was thinking hosta's also

I don't recall ever seeing blooms. Just clustered dark green foliage. planted closely so it all runs together. -

Check pic's here :>)
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/finder/index.php?sname=Hostas

Aspidristra, Cast iron Plant

http://www.asiaticanursery.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.viewCategory/catID/13/index.htm

It looks very similar to Aspidistra elatior 'Hoshi Zora' , except it is deep green, with no white spots. The leaf shape, length looks right.

I may have to try to go take a picture... I've been trying to figure it out forever.

I am fairly certain if it is growing under an oak tree in the south it is Cast Iron.

We have been digging these up for the last 4 or 5 years...one day we may succeed....grin

you could dig it up and send it to me Moon, your weeds are my houseplants...LOL

Thanks Moon,

Thats it!! The ones around my oaks are very dark green, but I have seen some that are lighter in color.

I love them.. (and I believe that Trina will find a way to make them live in the house)...

Most of mine are beautiful, but I have one oak that the "Cast Iron plants" under it looks like the wind has shred them. So, based on your previous comment, I assume that if I cut it back to the ground, it will sprout right back up come spring??!!!!?!?!?

When should I cut it back?

Aw!! I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!

This message was edited Oct 20, 2009 1:11 PM

This message was edited Oct 20, 2009 1:12 PM

Moon, You are brilliant.

This is what I found when I googled Cast Iron Plant.

"The species has been used extensively in the southern US as a ground cover under large trees."

Daisy, the more shade they get, the darker green they are. Oh, and they do bloom...tiny ground level rather non-descript blooms. I would wait til you get a good frost and it stays consistently cool and then whack them back. They spread by underground rhizomes/roots so they should be just fine. But, if they for some reason have a problem, just dig up a chunk from any of the other beds, or let me know and I will send you more...GRIN (Ihave plenty LOL)

Not brilliant, but thanks, I have just worked with too many southern landscapers and know that Asphidistra is a great "trouble/shade spot plant" They are used extensively down here.

Hahaha!! Thanks...

I love to visit Plantation HomesThey are very pronounced in those landscapes. That is what prompted me to say, It might be a Southern Thing.

You are too welcome.


Moon

Oh Yeah, they are used extensively under the live oaks to divert and deter folks from climbing the low branches of the oaks. A very southern thing....grin

likely aspidistra.

Hi dp72. Yup, aspidistra....fall back plant of the southern landscaper....grin