Mitella diphylla
twoleaf miterwort
Overview
Mitella diphylla, the twoleaf miterwort or bishop's cap, is a low woodland perennial in the Saxifragaceae that grows from short rhizomes, reaching 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall in flower with foliage held mostly near the ground. The basal leaves are heart-shaped, 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long, lobed and toothed, on long stalks and covered with short hairs. A single slim flowering stem carries one pair of opposite, nearly stalkless leaves about midway, the feature behind the name diphylla. Above them rises a narrow raceme of small white flowers, each about 0.2 inch (5 mm) across with five petals deeply cut into thread-like fringes, so the open flower resembles a tiny snowflake. Flowering occurs in spring. The dry seed capsule splits open like a shallow cup holding shining black seeds that are washed out by rain. It grows in moist, rich, shaded woodland, on slopes, ravines, and streambanks. It spreads slowly and needs cool, damp soil, declining in dry or sunny sites.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, from eastern Canada south through the Great Lakes region, New England, and the Appalachian Mountains to the southeastern states. It grows in moist, rich deciduous and mixed woods, on shaded slopes, ravines, ledges, and streambanks.Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover and edging in shade and woodland gardens, native plantings, and along shaded paths and streambanks, spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart. It suits cool, moist, shaded beds with rich soil. The tiny flowers and low stature make it poorly suited to sunny borders or hot, dry sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Small white flowers open in spring, mainly April and May, along an upright raceme that flowers from the base upward over three to four weeks. The flowers are tiny and easily overlooked except at close range. Cup-shaped seed capsules follow and hold black seeds into early summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in partial to full shade in cool, moist, humus-rich soil with a pH around 5.5-7.0. Steady moisture and a layer of leaf litter suit it, and it declines in dry, hot, or sunny positions. It spreads slowly by short rhizomes into low patches and seldom needs feeding in woodland soil. Propagation is by division in spring or autumn or from fresh seed. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8.Pruning
Needs no pruning. Spent flower stems can be removed once seed has dispersed or left to self-sow. The low basal foliage is left in place and requires no cutting back.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons