Twinleaf

Twinleaf is found from Ontario southward down the spine of the Appalachian mountains to northern Alabama. It occurs in cool, moist, shaded sites.

Berberidaceae / Barberry Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla)
Plant Type: This is a herbaceous plant, it is a perennial which can reach 20cm in height (8inches). Taller after flowering.
Leaves: This plant has basal leaves only.

Twinleaf is one of the first wildflowers to emerge in Spring, with its unique two-leaflet foliage and fleeting white flowers.

Sand Twinleaf [English]: Roepera ammophila
Sand Verbena [English]: Abronia villosa
Sand Verbena [English]: Abronia villosa var. aurita
Sand Verbena Myrtle [English]: Backhousia myrtifolia
Sand Verbina (Purple) [English]: Abronia angustifolia ...

Jeffersonia diphylla (Twinleaf)
Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot)
Thalictrum thalictroides (Rue Anemone)
Trillium erectum (Red Trillium/Wake Robin)
Trillium grandiflorum (Common/White Trillium/Wake Robin) ...

A few examples of plants native to northeastern deciduous forests include wild ginger (Asarum canadense), Dutchman's breeches (Dicentra canadensis), toothworts (Dentaria sp.), bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), and twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla).

are very early and very ephemeral (not long lasting, the flowers that is), although the foliage lasts all summer. Any idea why the specific epithet (or second word in the scientific name) is diphylla?? Well the common name gives it away "Twinleaf." ...

See also: Jeffersonia diphylla, May, Hepatica, Onion, Trillium