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Smith, R.W.

Mitella diphylla

Mitella diphylla L.

Twoleaf miterwort, Miterwort

Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family)

Synonym(s): Mitella oppositifolia

USDA Symbol: MIDI3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

A slender, elongated cluster of tiny white flowers, with 5 delicately fringed petals, above 1 pair of stalkless leaves at midstem; other leaves basal. Delicate plant with basal, heart-shaped, hairy stemmed leaves and a pair of similar, but stemless, leaves two-thirds up the flower stalk. Sparse spike of minute, white, fringed flowers.

The flower is a fantastic bit of geometry, especially evident when viewed with a hand lens. The single pair of leaves at midstem accounts for the species name. The common and genus names allude to the fruit, which has the shape of a small cap or bishops miter. Naked Miterwort (M. nuda), a lovely smaller species, has only basal leaves and fewer, slightly larger, greenish to yellow flowers; it occurs from Alberta east to Newfoundland, south to Pennsylvania, west to Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa, and northwest to North Dakota.

From the Image Gallery

6 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , SC , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: NS , ON , QC
Native Distribution: S.w. Que. & NH to MN, s. to upland GA,TN & AR
Native Habitat: Rich, wet woods; stream banks

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Rich, moist, sometimes limey, soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Propagation by seed and root or runner division. Fresh seeds sown at soil level germinate fairly well. A light mulch helps retain soil moisture. Seedlings start to bloom the third year. Divide rhizomes that are rooted.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:	FACU				FACU	FACU		FACU	FACU

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

From the National Suppliers Directory

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

Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV
Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV
ArcheWild Native Nurseries - Quakertown, PA
Toadshade Wildflower Farm - Frenchtown, NJ

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE

Bibliography

Bibref 1294 - 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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Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-10-03
Research By: TWC Staff

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