Alumroot
Round-leaved Alumroot (Heuchera cylindrica) is a native perennial in the saxifrage family.
- This species grows from short thick rhizomes
- the stems are erect and grow from 15 to 90 cm, though most range in the 30 to 45 cm in height.
- The leaves are basal and rounded (possibly heart or kidney shaped) and hairy.
- The Inflorescence has a spiky shape. The flower calyces are bell-shaped and may be a white-cream-greenish-yellow, with color combinations varying from plant to plant.
- All photos by the author. click an image for a lightbox view.
- After flowering capsules form with dark brown seeds.
- We usually spot round-leaved alumroot in the grasslands, in open forests, and on rocky slopes, but also in many ecosystems in the Interior of BC.
- Heuchera cylindrica has several sub-species with variations in the leaves and flowers.
- Similar species are smooth alumroot (Heuchera glabra) and meadow alumroot (Heuchera chlorantha).
- Alumroot has been used for medicinal purposes by First Nations people.
- Alumroot is known to be pollinated by bees and butterflies.
- Alumroot can be grown from seed, as long as a length stratification process is provided. Some species of alumroot can be divided.
- We often spot this plant in flower on rocky bluffs, with the roots established in crevices.
- Cultivated Heucheras are sold with the name coral bells. There is a wide variety of leaf colors which remain until the snow falls, making this a valuable garden plant.
heuchera