Farfugium japonicum

Tractor Seat Plant – Named for its rounded foliage that resembles the seat of an antique John Deere, this flowering perennial is a must-have for shady Texas gardens. In mid spring, the foliage emerges from the ground, growing up to 1 foot in height and 2 feet across. For most of the year, they sit prettily on the ground, adding splashes of rich green to the shady understory, but the true show rolls around in mid fall. Around October, 2 foot flower stalks shoot up and are topped with clusters of bright yellow dasiy-like flowers. In our Woodland Garden, these flowers create a golden sea beneath the shade of the pines, and are a much-loved photo opportunity on tours. These flowers remain for about 3 weeks, and are replaced with tufts of dandelion-esque seed heads that float whimsically on the breeze. In winter, this plant dies back to the ground, and reemerges in mid spring. Plant in full shade and keep well watered, otherwise the foliage will begin to wilt.