Tolmeia

Tolmeia

Tolmiea menziesii

Piggyback plant, also known as youth-on-age, is a charming Pacific Northwest native woodland perennial with broad, textured leaves and a naturally spreading growth habit. Tiny flowers rise above the foliage in spring, but its greatest appeal is its lush, architectural leaves and ability to thrive in shady conditions. It makes an excellent living groundcover beneath trees and shrubs.

Size at maturity: 1–2' tall, 2–3' wide
Light: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium to moist moisture; prefers consistently moist soil
Bloom time: April–June
Wildlife: Flowers provide resources for small pollinators; dense foliage provides ground-level habitat
Special features & uses: Excellent shade groundcover; Pacific Northwest native; spreading habit; lush foliage; deer-resistant

Plant with: Sword fern and lady fern for a layered woodland floor, or vine maple and snowberry for a more complete native understory habitat.

Perfect for woodland gardens, shady borders, beneath trees, and moist groundcover plantings. Combine with other woodland natives for a layered forest-floor habitat.