Ellisiophyllum pinnatum, commonly known as Ellisiophyllum, is an evergreen or semi-deciduous perennial herb native to the forest floors and shaded stream banks of South and Southeastern Asia, particularly in regions like Japan and the Himalayas. It typically grows to a height of 0.3 feet (0.09 meters) and spreads 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters), forming a low, dense mat of foliage. The plant features small, rounded leaves and produces delicate white flowers in the summer, which are modest in appearance but can add a subtle charm to shaded garden areas.

Ellisiophyllum pinnatum is valued for its ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it an excellent ground cover for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or as an understory plant in shaded rockeries. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture. While it is not drought-tolerant, it requires little maintenance once established. It is rarely affected by pests or diseases, making it a trouble-free addition to the garden. However, it is not widely known or used in cultivation outside of its native range, which presents an opportunity for gardeners looking for unique shade-loving plants.CC BY-SA 4.0