Urophysa henryi

(aka: Isopyrum henryi) We're betting that even the most seasoned plant collectors probably haven't heard of Urophysa henryi. This odd genus in the Ranunculaceae family hails from China, where it can be found hanging out in cliff-side karst rock fissures in Guizhou, Sichuan, western Hubei and into northwestern Hunan. Urophysa henryi is very closely related to the highly prized rock garden plant, Semiaquilegia adoxoides. In the garden, it has thrived in our very dry rock garden, not blinking at 11 degrees F. The 4" tall x 6" wide evergreen clumps of columbine-like foliage are topped with clusters of small, outfacing white flowers in early January, and continue through March (NC). They resemble our native Isopyrum biternatum. In our trials, it does not seem to appreciate rain, so under a dry overhang in the garden is perfect.