Bloom Color

Interesting Notes

Foam Flowers are just one of nearly 700 species of the Saxifrage Family, whose members are largely distributed throughout mountainous areas of the Northern Hemisphere. Tiarella is found primarily in rich woods of New England extending south to the higher elevations of the Carolinas, though a varient species Tiarella cordifolia var. collina, of very similar appearance has a range extending into much of the North Carolina piedmont. This perennial herb blooms from April to June when it reaches its maximum height of 6-12 inches.

The small flowers have 5 white petals in the shape of a star with yellow stamens, and are grouped in a foam-like cluster at the apex of the stem. The genus name Tiarella is derived from the Greek Tiara, a term for a turban worn by ancient Persians and is reminiscent of the shape of the pistil. Foam flowers are colonial, spreading their growth by rhizomes, as well as by seed, and are a popular choice for ground cover in shade gardens.The shallow root system of this plant makes a happy companion of deep rooted natives such as Solomon's Seal and Cardinal Flowers.

This plant has a high tannin content making it a natural astringent. Native Americans made leaf tea to cure mouth sores and eye ailments. Root tea was used to treat diarrhea, as well as made into a poultice for topical wounds. Wildflowers of North Carolina

Habitat and distribution: Foamflower, also called Allegheny Foamflower and False Miterwort, is often found in wet hollows and mossy places in deciduous and mixed woods. It is sometimes associated with cedar and hemlock. Michigan is at the western edge of the range of this species, which is native to woods from Nova Scotia to the eastern edge of Wisconsin and south through the Appalachians to Georgia and Mississippi. Foamflower has been reported in nearly every county in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan and in the thumb area, as well as Genesee, Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, and Jackson counties. However, it seems to be totally absent from the southwestern Lower Peninsula except for Berrien County, where it was collected in 1917 and again in 1977. Tiarella wherryi is a related species with pink flowers and a clump-forming habit, which is native from Virginia and Tennessee to Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. More... Wild Ones

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Prefers moist, rich, organic, well-drained soils in full to part shade. Do not let soil dry out. Stoloniferous and quickly spreads. Propagate by seed or spring division. Makes an excellent groundcover or edging for shady or naturalized areas.