Leopard Aspidistra (Syn. A. linearifolia 'Leopard'). This narrow leaf species of Aspidistra was introduced by Dr. James Waddick and was originally sold as A. linearifolia 'Leopard,' but now that we have Aspidistra experts around the globe, we are getting much more accurate on our taxonomy. The average gardener could probably care less, but we have to justify the existence of the taxonomy profession. When I was in college, there were learned two species of Aspidistra. At last count, there are over 160 species recognized. This selection's leaves are up to 24" tall which are scattered liberally with small cream-yellow "leopard" spots. It is quite cold hardy, as I have seen a large pot of this Aspidistra outside year around at Riverbanks Botanical Garden in Columbia, SC, growing in one of their gazebos. It works great in mass as well as in the shade garden or a single accent clump.
Zones 7b-10
