Plant is an upright perennial with a rhizomes or tuberous root from which new growth emerges. Preferred habitat is marshes, dense woods and domestic gardens. Distribution is throughout the Escambia region.

Leaves are sessile; almost clasping; lance-like; numerous side veins; blunt point and tapering to wedge-shape at base; margin is sometimes wavy with a tendency to curl inward; two-ranked; up to 24 inches long.

Flowers are white and fragrant; two petals, one broad and one narrow (appears to be four). Petals are divided into two parts, each being the image of the other; bisexual; short stalked. Flowers occur in the summer.

Fruit is a capsule.

Butterfly Ginger is usually considered one of those great pass-along plants; however, having become a favorite among master gardeners it can now be purchased from most nurseries. Wonderful for brightening up an otherwise ho-hum flower bed -- not quite as invasive as the Pinecone Ginger. Keeps well through the winter if mulched.