Saxifrage (Saxifragaceae)
Alumroot
Heuchera richardsonii R. Br.The basal leaves of this perennial resemble those of a maple tree. They create an attractive ground cover, making Alumroot a good choice for gardens. They prefer to grow with little competition from other plants. The flowers have no scent, and can be purple, white/cream, or green. They are pollinated by hummingbirds and bees, and also attract butterflies. The plants have been used for medicinal purposes and as a mordant to fix dye.
Flower Colour:
- Green
Flowering Season:
- Spring
- Summer
Flowering Months:
- April
- July
- June
- May
Canadian Rarity Status:
Not rare. Listed as “may be at risk” in the Northwest Territories.
Physical Appearance:
Long-stalked basal leaves are heart to kidney-shaped, with 7-9 shallow toothed lobes, and hairy undersides. Several leafless, hairy stems grow 15-70 cm tall from the basal leaves, topped by spike-like flower clusters. Each flower has five inconspicuous, spoon-shaped petals, five stamens with orange anthers, and a 5-lobed, hairy, bell-shaped calyx. Fruits are capsules containing numerous small, spiny, brown seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Gardening Notes:
Seeds and/or plants are often available from greenhouses and seed supply companies specializing in native plants. They make a good addition to butterfly, bird and prairie gardens.
Canadian Distribution:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- Northwest Territories
- Ontario
- Saskatchewan
Prairie Types:
- Fescue Prairie
- Mixed Grass Prairie
- Tall Grass Prairie
Habitats:
- Forest Edges
- Lake Shores
- Prairies
- Rocky Slopes
- Savannahs
- Tundra
Moisture Conditions:
- Dry
- Moderate
- Moist
Light Preference:
- Full Sun
- Part Shade
Soil Preference:
- Gravel
- Loam
- Sand