American Alumroot

(Heuchera americana)

American Alumroot (Heuchera americana)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Heuchera americana, commonly known as American Alumroot, is an evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial herb that is native to rocky woods, ravines, and bluffs in the Central and Eastern USA, depending on the climate. It usually stays under 2 feet in both height and width. American Alumroot is notable for its basal rosettes of lobed semi-palmate leaves that come in a variety of colors, including green, purple, or brown, and may feature veining or marbling. From June to August, it produces loose racemes of small, bell-shaped, green to cream flowers on slender stems that can reach up to 3 feet tall, though the flowers are not particularly showy. The plant is often found in its natural habitat growing in rock crevices and on ledges of bluffs.

American Alumroot is valued for its attractive foliage, which adds texture and color variation to garden settings. It is commonly used in border fronts, rock gardens, woodland gardens, and as ground cover. This species is adaptable to a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade, and prefers well-drained soils with average moisture. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it benefits from being divided every 3 to 4 years to rejuvenate and prevent center dieback. Numerous cultivars have been developed, offering a wide range of leaf colors and patterns. It is generally pest and disease resistant, but root rot can occur in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to rocky woods, ravines, and bluffs in the Central and Eastern USA

Other Names

Common Names: Heuchère D’Amérique , Alumroot

Scientific Names: Heuchera americana , Heuchera americana var. brevipetala , Heuchera curtisii , Heuchera calycosa , Heuchera americana var. heteradenia , Heuchera viscida , Heuchera americana var. calycosa , Heuchera americana var. typica , Heuchera lucida , Heuchera americana f. angustipetala

GBIF Accepted Name: Heuchera americana L.