Hexastylis ruthii
(Hexastylis arifolia var. ruthii, Asarum ruthii, Asarum arifolium var. ruthii)

Appalachian Little Brown Jug

[ click on any image below to see larger version ]

Family: Aristolochiaceae (Birthwort family)

Mid-Atlantic bloom time: March - June
Mid-Atlantic fruit ripe:

Appalachian Little Brown Jug's flower grows near the ground at the base of the plant, giving it the common name "little brown jug." It has sometimes been at times considered a variety of Asarum arifolium or Hexastylis arifolia. Considerable work and discussion has gone into deciding if Hexastylis (Heartleaf) and Asarum (Wild Ginger) should be considered two separate genera or only one.

Weakley's 2025 Flora of the Southeastern United States¹ differentiates between the two genera by noting that Hexastylis species' leaves are evergreen, glabrous, and not paired, whereas Asarum's leaves are deciduous, pubescent, and paired.

Appalachian Little Brown Jug is classified here in the genus Hexastylis, in keeping with both Weakley's Flora and Flora of Virginia, 2012².

11 May 2022 The Cedars Natural Area Preserve, Lee County, VA

11 May 2022 The Cedars Natural Area Preserve, Lee County, VA ("little brown jug" flower)

11 May 2022 The Cedars Natural Area Preserve, Lee County, VA

11 May 2022 The Cedars Natural Area Preserve, Lee County, VA

References

1:   Flora of the Southeastern United States, 2025 edition, by Alan S. Weakley and the Southeastern Flora Team

2:   Weakley, Ludwig, and Townsend. Flora of Virginia. ed. by Crowder. BRIT Press, Fort Worth, Texas, 2012.

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