4 named cultivars

perennialN. America Native

Little Brown Jug

Asarum arifolium

The Story

Plant Bio

Formerly known as Asarum arifolium, Hexastylis arifolia is a low-growing, evergreen perennial. It features distinctive, glossy, heart-shaped to arrowhead-shaped leaves, often mottled with silver. In spring, small, fleshy, jug-shaped, brownish-purple flowers appear at the base of the plant, often hidden by the foliage.

Valued as a tough, evergreen groundcover for shade gardens. Its silver-mottled, heart-shaped leaves provide year-round interest. The unique, jug-shaped flowers, though inconspicuous, give it the common name 'Little Brown Jug'.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, evergreen foliage that thrives in shaded areas, adding texture and depth to garden beds.

Acts as a groundcover that suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture.

Supports local pollinators by maintaining a shaded, moist habitat.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

8 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moist, well-drained

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested.

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
Keep soil consistently moist and shaded
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity
Transplant seedlings after they establish roots
Mulch lightly to retain moisture
Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch

Pro Tip

Prefers shaded, moist, and well-drained soil for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 💧
Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Prune dead or damaged leaves in late winter
Provide shade during hot summer days

Don't

Avoid excessive sunlight which can scorch leaves ❌
Don't allow soil to dry out completely
Refrain from over-fertilizing, as it can harm roots

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shady woodland borderMoist shaded garden bed

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Trilliums Epimediums

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Little Brown Jug questions

What zones can Little Brown Jug grow in?

Little Brown Jug is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Little Brown Jug deer resistant?

Yes — Little Brown Jug is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Little Brown Jug bloom?

Little Brown Jug typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Little Brown Jug need full sun?

Little Brown Jug does best in part shade.