Heuchera americana aka Alumroot

Heuchera americana belongs to the saxifrage family. This perennial lives for more than one year. Common names include American alumroot and coral bells. It grows wild from southeastern Canada into central and eastern America. It grows in rocky woods, on bluff ledges, and on shaded slopes. Sources report it on acidic soils and at limestone sites. The plant forms a low mound from a short crown. Thin, fibrous roots hold the clump beneath its leafy base.

The leaf mound grows about 1–1.25 feet [0.30–0.38 metres] tall. Flower stems bring its height to 1.5–2 feet [0.46–0.61 metres]. Some plants reach 3 feet [0.91 metres] in flower. Clumps spread about 1–1.5 feet [0.30–0.46 metres] wide. Long stalks hold leaves shaped like hearts. The leaves have shallow lobes and toothed edges. New leaves may have brown, bronze, or purple tones. They turn greener with age, though veins may keep their color. Leaves can last through winter in mild climates.

Small, bell-shaped flowers hang above the leaves in panicles, or branched clusters. Their thin stems carry few leaves. Flowers range from cream to green, with pink tints at times. Orange anthers sit at the tips of the stamens. Bloom dates depend on the place and growing conditions. Chicago reports May to June. Missouri lists June to August. North Carolina records blooms from April through August. Bees and other insects visit the flowers for nectar. Brown capsules follow the blooms. In North Carolina, they appear from May to September.

Grow this plant in rich soil that drains well. It needs a moderate amount of water. It suits sun or part shade. Shade in the afternoon helps where summers are hot and humid. Full sun works better where summers stay cool. It can cope with brief dry spells, but leaves may lose quality. Its reported hardiness covers USDA zones 4–9 and RHS H6. Cut off spent flower stems to help it bloom more. Divide clumps every three to four years in spring or fall. Winter shifts in heat and cold can push roots above the soil.

Use alumroot along paths, in borders, or as woodland ground cover. It also suits rock gardens and pots. Deer tend to avoid its bitter leaves, which contain tannins. Serious pest problems are rare. Vine weevils and eelworms may still attack. Heuchera rust may also cause problems. Plants For A Future lists no known food uses. It records past use of the astringent root as medicine. Excess use can irritate the stomach and harm kidneys and liver. Records also note use of the root to fix dyes.