Hosta
Hosta spp.
Family Liliaceae

Characteristics:
* Leaf texture varies among species, from shiny to smooth to puckered. Color ranges from blue to green to white, sometimes edged with gold.
* Flowers lilac, purple, or white, lily-shaped, hanging, on slender stalks up to 3' high that rise above leaves.
* Height: 6"-3'.

Natural History:
* Flowers June - August.
* Habitat: Shade, usually planted as a border or ground cover.
* Introduced from China and Japan.

Connections!
* There are over 400 varieties of hosta, which are planted extensively as ornamental shade plants.

* Hostas have been around for centuries but were only recently discovered and cultivated.