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Heuchera americana (American alumroot)
Makin, Julie

Heuchera americana L.

American alumroot

Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family)

USDA Symbol: HEAM6

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

American alumroots leafless, hairy, sticky flower stalk rises 18-36 in. and surrounds its upper third with loosely grouped, minute, greenish, cup-shaped flowers. A somewhat hairy stalk bearing yellowish-green, bell-shaped, drooping flowers in loose, slender, branching clusters; usually 4-5 flowers on each branch. A clump of attractive basal leaves springs from an underground stem. The leaves are fuzzy, oval, lobed and somewhat evergreen.

Several similar Heuchera species occur in the East, many of which are difficult to distinguish from one another. The genus name honors the 18th-century German physician and botanist Johann von Heucher.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Inflorescence: Panicle
Size Notes: Usually around 18 inches high, but can grow to 3 feet
Leaf: Deep green. Shades of purple, red, and yellow in fall.
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower: Flower tiny
Fruit: Dark red
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red , Green , Purple , Brown
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Pale greenish yellow or pale purple, so pale they almost appear white. Delicate and misty looking.

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MD , MI , MO , MS , NC , NE , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , VA , WV
Canada: ON
Native Distribution: CT to Ont. & MI, s. to GA & OK; Eastern North America, Zones 5 to 8.
Native Habitat: Rich woods; rock outcrops
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low , Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Well-drained, humus-rich, acid soils, sometimes rocky. Tolerates poor soil, low moisture, and lime.
Conditions Comments: In sunny areas, the leaves take on a bronze cast several months into the growing season.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Valued as a foliage plant and groundcover in shady Eastern gardens. Also grows well in pots.
Interesting Foliage: yes

Propagation

Propagation Material: Root Division , Seeds
Description: Sow seed in spring. Divide root crown in spring or fall.
Seed Collection: Check for mature seeds in dark-brown capsules 3-4 weeks after the plant has flowered. The seeds are black when mature and are smaller than grains of black pepper. Dried seeds may be stored, uncleaned, in sealed, refrigerated containers.
Commercially Avail: yes
Maintenance: The appearance of the plant is enhanced by division of the clump every 3 to 4 years.

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
Prairie Nursery - Westfield, WI

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Native Plant Center at Westchester Community College, The - Valhalla, NY
Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Heuchera americana in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Heuchera americana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Heuchera americana

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-12-07
Research By: TWC Staff

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