Heuchera americana - Coral Bells

Morphology/Growth Habits: This herbaceous perennial forms clumps of heart-shaped leaves that start off a purplish-brown color, eventually maturing to green. During late Spring and early Summer, stems shoot above leafy foliage to form tiny bell-shaped white flowers that last weeks into the summer. Foliage is notable for its contrasting veins and can be evergreen! Clump-forming.

Height: 1-2 ft.

Light: Part Sun-Part Shade

Moisture: Medium

Bloom color: White

Bloom time: May-August

Habitat/Best Environments: This wildflower is typically found growing in rocky forests and cliffs. It’s quite tough, able to tolerate both drought and acidic soils. While it can handle sun, it grows best in part shade. Similarly, it can tolerate varying soil conditions but prefers rich, well drained soil.

Ecological relationships: The flowers of this plant attract many pollinators. Specialist pollinator bee is Colletes aestivalis. The leaves are high in tannins, making it unappetizing and resistant to deer and rabbits. This plant is also resistant to juglone, making it a good pairing with black walnut trees. 

*Roots contain alum, which is an astringent (hence the common name!). As such, the roots of this plant are used in many medicinal practices.

*Please soil test and do proper research before growing a plant for human consumption.