Cast Iron Plant
Aspidistra elatior
Size: 2-3'x3'
Lighting requirements: Morning sun to shade
Winter: Evergreen
Love this shade plant! As its name suggests, it is nearly indestructible. Cast Iron is native to Taiwan and the southern islands of Japan, but is wonderfully adapted to Central Texas. It is evergreen, but I do recommend cutting the leaves to the ground in the spring and letting the new growth take over. Cast Iron is deer-resistant, but the deer don't always care. It's safest to spray them with a deer repellant when newly planted and during severe droughts.
Fun Fact: The purple blooms at the base of the plant, smell like mushrooms which attracts fungal gnats for pollination!
