Heuchera villosa aka Hairy Alumroot

Heuchera villosa is a perennial known as hairy alumroot. It belongs to the saxifrage family. This plant comes from the eastern United States. Its range runs from New York south to northern Georgia. It reaches west to Arkansas, with Kew also listing Missouri. Wild plants grow in rich woods and on rocky slopes. They also grow on ledges and cliffs.

The leaves form a low, rounded mound at ground level. Garden clumps reach about 1.5–2 feet [0.46–0.61 m] tall and wide. RHS gives a smaller height, near 1.3 feet [0.4 m]. Flower stems can raise the height to 3 feet [0.91 m]. The broad leaves have sharp teeth and five to nine lobes. Soft hairs give them a velvet feel. Leaves may be green with bronze, brown, or purple shades. Hair also covers the leaf stalks and rusty-brown flower stems. Plants keep more leaves where winters stay mild. In colder places, some foliage may die back.

Small bell-shaped flowers rise above the mound in loose panicles. Their shades range from white and cream to pale pink. The sepals stand out more than the small petals. Stamens and pistils extend beyond the flowers. Most bloom comes from July to September. In North Carolina, flowers may appear from June to October. Bees visit the flowers for nectar. Chicago Botanic Garden also lists hummingbirds and butterflies as visitors. The fruit is a small capsule. In North Carolina, capsules appear from July to November.

Grow this species in rich soil that holds moisture but drains well. Partial shade or dappled light suits it well. It can take full sun in cooler climates. In hot places, shade helps protect it from afternoon heat. It handles heat and humidity better than many other heucheras. Some drought is tolerated, but fully dry soil can scorch leaves. Plants in sun need steady moisture. Most sources list USDA zones 3–8; Chicago lists 4–9. RHS rates it H6. Use it in borders, rock gardens, containers, or woodland plantings. Groups can form ground cover beneath other plants. It also tolerates sites near black walnut trees.

Care needs are low, and serious problems are uncommon. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid the foliage. Possible pests include vine weevil and leaf and bud eelworm. Rust and leafy gall can also occur. Changing winter temperatures may lift roots, though this species resists that problem better than many heucheras. Remove spent flower stems, and divide older clumps to keep them vigorous. RHS suggests division every three to four years. The supplied sources do not establish edible uses or toxicity.