In the Interior area of B.C. at lower and middle elevations we can spot round-leaved alumroot (Heuchera cylindrica) in the grasslands, on dry plateaus, on rocky slopes, and in open forests, mostly in spring, but extending into early summer at higher elevations.   It is a flowering perennial in the Saxifrage family.    In gardening, cultivars are often called Coral Bells.

The branching crowns grow from thick rhizomes.    Basal leaves are round or oval with 5 lobes and rounded “teeth”.

Flowers are positioned on the top part of a tall leafless stem.   In season, there can be many small yellow, cream, or pink bell-shaped flowers.   After flowering in summer, capsules form and are dispersed in the fall and winter.

Alumroot is abundant in this area, but is not as showy as many other wildflowers.    It does have the advantage of flowering on ledges overlooking lakes, rivers, cliffs, and at open viewpoints, where they grace the spot.    A few images taken by the author are shared here.    Click an image for the album.

 

 

In specific areas, we may run into meadow alumroot (Heuchera chlorantha) or smooth alumroot (Heuchera glabra) and if enough photos of these are captured, a follow-up article will follow.    We have spotted the latter in subalpine areas.   We have colorful hybridized coralbells (Heuchera sp.) in our garden and a post of these will follow.