Cave Alumroot
(Heuchera parviflora)
Cave Alumroot (Heuchera parviflora)
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Evan M. Raskin
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Evan M. Raskin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Evan M. Raskin | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Evan M. Raskin | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-09-18T16:04:13-07:00 |















Estimated Native Range
Summary
Heuchera parviflora, commonly known as cave alumroot or littleflower alumroot, is a perennial herb in the saxifrage family. It is native to calcareous rock outcrops and shaded cliff faces in the eastern United States, particularly within the Ozark Mountains, Appalachian Mountains, and Cumberland Plateau. This species typically thrives in deeply shaded environments, often found under rock overhangs and cliffs where direct sunlight is scarce, and it may be the sole vascular plant in such niches. Heuchera parviflora is considered uncommon throughout its range. The plant reaches a modest height and width, forming basal rosettes of scalloped leaves. It produces delicate inflorescences of pink and white flowers from late summer to fall, which are not particularly showy but add a subtle charm to shaded garden areas.
Cave alumroot is valued for its ability to grow in challenging shady conditions, making it a suitable choice for woodland gardens, rock gardens, and shaded borders. It is also appreciated for its evergreen foliage in milder climates, providing year-round interest. While it can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to full shade, it prefers dappled light to full shade, mimicking its natural habitat. Medium water requirements and well-drained soils with a neutral to alkaline pH are ideal for this plant. It is generally free from serious pests and diseases but can suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Cave alumroot is valued for its ability to grow in challenging shady conditions, making it a suitable choice for woodland gardens, rock gardens, and shaded borders. It is also appreciated for its evergreen foliage in milder climates, providing year-round interest. While it can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to full shade, it prefers dappled light to full shade, mimicking its natural habitat. Medium water requirements and well-drained soils with a neutral to alkaline pH are ideal for this plant. It is generally free from serious pests and diseases but can suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.7-1 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
Calcareous rock outcrops and shaded cliff faces in the eastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Cave Alumroot
Scientific Names: , Heuchera parviflora, Heuchera parviflora var. parviflora, Heuchera rugelii, Heuchera americana var. glauca, Heuchera parviflora var. rugelii, Heuchera glauca, Heuchera parviflora var. arizonica, Heuchera parviflora var. typica,
GBIF Accepted Name: Heuchera parviflora Bartl.