Rheumatism Root - Jeffersonia diphylla
One of its common names, twinleaf, suggest that the plant has two leaves, but there are actually more. Each leaf is divided into two nearly separate leaflets. I was too early to see the flowers, but each plant produces a single white flower. This plant is native to eastern North America and is rare - it's protected as threatened or endangered in several states.
Native Americans used the root of this plant to make tea for many illnesses. It was also used externally as a wash for rheumatism, sores, and ulcers. But, the plant is probably toxic, so it should be avoided.
Habitat: Wetland
Jeffersonia diphylla, which is also known as twinleaf or rheumatism root, is a small genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the family Berberidaceae. They are uncommon spring wildflowers and grow in limestone soils of rich deciduous forests.
