Mitellastra spp.

leafy miterwort

Saxifragaceae Western North America

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Container Friendly

Native to North America

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 6–9

Overview

Mitellastra spp. is a genus in the saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae) usually treated as the single species Mitellastra caulescens, the leafy or creeping miterwort, native to moist forests of western North America. It was long included in Mitella spp., and differs mainly in carrying leaves along its flowering stems rather than only at the base. Plants grow from creeping rhizomes, forming low patches of long-stalked, heart-shaped, shallowly lobed and toothed leaves. From late spring into summer, leafy flowering stems rise 6-18 inches (15-45 cm) and bear loose racemes of small flowers. Each greenish to yellowish flower has five petals cut into narrow thread-like segments, giving a fringed, snowflake-like outline. Small cup-shaped capsules follow, opening to release shining seeds. The flowers are tiny and pollinated by small flies and other minor insects. The genus grows in cool, shaded, moist woodland, along stream banks and seeps, on humus-rich soils, where the rhizomes spread slowly to form a low, leafy ground cover.

Native Range

Mitellastra caulescens, the only species in the genus, is native to moist coniferous and mixed forests of western North America, from British Columbia south to California and inland to Idaho and Montana. It grows on shaded stream banks, seeps, and damp forest floors.

Suggested Uses

Grown in shade and woodland gardens, along shaded stream banks and damp path edges, and as a low leafy ground cover in native-plant schemes. The fringed flowers add close-up interest in naturalistic shade plantings. The genus suits cool, moist, humus-rich sites beneath trees and shrubs.

How to Identify

Identify Mitellastra spp. by its creeping habit and, unlike basal-leaved miterworts, by the leaves spaced along its flowering stems. The small greenish to yellowish flowers have five petals divided into thread-like segments, giving a fringed look, and are followed by cup-shaped capsules. The leafy flowering stem separates it from Mitella spp., whose flowering stalks are nearly leafless.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 1'6"

Width/Spread8" - 1'2"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs from late spring into summer, generally May to July depending on elevation. The small fringed flowers open along leafy stems over several weeks. Pollination is mainly by small flies and other minor insects.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

Green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 1-5 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in partial to full shade on cool, moist, humus-rich soils with free drainage, matching the streamside forests where the species occurs. Consistent moisture suits the creeping rhizomes, while dry or sunny positions cause the leaves to scorch. A leaf-litter mulch keeps the soil cool and damp. Spread is slow but steady, forming a low, leafy carpet over time. Plants are increased by division of the rhizomes in spring or autumn and by fresh seed. Little feeding is needed on reasonable woodland soil.

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Spent flowering stems are removed after seeding unless seed is wanted, and old foliage is cleared as the plant dies back. Congested patches are lifted and divided in spring or autumn.

Pruning Schedule

summerfall