Mitella diphylla aka Bishop's Cap

Mitella diphylla is a small perennial in the saxifrage family. Its common names include bishop's cap and twoleaf miterwort. It grows wild in eastern Canada and the eastern United States. Its woodland homes include moist ledges and slopes facing north. Other recorded habitats include rich woods, meadows, and swamps. In gardens, it suits shaded beds with rich soil.

Plants grow about 0.75–1 foot (0.23–0.3 m) tall. Their usual garden spread is 0.5–0.75 foot (0.15–0.23 m). Some accounts describe plants reaching 1 foot (0.3 m) wide. The plant forms clumps and spreads through rhizomes. It can also sow its own seeds in rich soil. Growth is moderate, though new plants may take time to settle. The green basal leaves have long, hairy stalks. Their blades are heart-shaped, with lobes and toothed edges. Leaves reach about 0.25–0.33 foot (0.08–0.1 m) long. A pair of stalkless leaves sits partway up each flowering stem. The slender, pale green stems also bear fine hairs. NC State describes the foliage as evergreen.

White flowers appear from April through June. Each raceme carries five to twenty small flowers. The flowers measure just one-eighth of an inch across. Each has five petals with fine, branching fringes. Their shape recalls a tiny snowflake when seen close up. Syrphid flies and small, short-tongued bees pollinate the flowers. The fruit develops into a capsule shaped like a bishop's cap. Mature capsules open upward and hold small black seeds. Falling raindrops splash the seeds out of these cups.

Partial shade gives this plant its preferred garden setting. It also tolerates full shade and some drier soil. For best growth, provide moist soil with plenty of organic matter. The soil should drain well rather than hold standing water. Acid soil suits it, and clay or loam can work. Its listed hardiness range covers USDA zones 3–7. It needs moderate watering and care. Slow establishment and exacting site needs are its main drawbacks. The cited garden sources report no known pest or disease problems.

Use it as ground cover in a moist woodland garden. Its low leaves can form a carpet beneath the flowers. A spot beside a path lets gardeners inspect the blooms. Division offers one way to raise more plants. Plants For A Future lists no known edible uses. It records traditional leaf infusions for fever and sore eyes. Those records do not establish treatment safety or effectiveness. The same source lists no known hazards, rather than proven safety.