Heartleaf Foamflower

(Tiarella cordifolia)

Heartleaf Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Tiarella cordifolia, commonly known as heartleaf foamflower, is a herbaceous perennial native to rich, moist woodlands and along stream banks in the Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada. It typically forms a low-growing clump reaching 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) in height, with a similar spread. The heart-shaped leaves are dark green, often with attractive brown mottling, and have a hairy texture above and a downy underside. From late spring to early summer, it produces erect stems bearing feathery clusters of small, starry white flowers that are quite showy and attract pollinators such as small bees, syrphid flies, and butterflies.

Heartleaf foamflower is appreciated for its ornamental foliage, long-lasting and attractive blooms, and its ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it an excellent ground cover for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and naturalized areas. It is also used for its ecological benefits, as it supports local pollinators. It prefers part shade to full shade and moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew in overly humid conditions. Tiarella cordifolia can be propagated by division in spring or fall and is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.8-1 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Cream, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Rich, moist woodlands and along stream banks in the Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada

Other Names

Common Names: Coolwort , False Miterwort , Heart-Leaved Foamflower , Heart-Leaf Foamflower , Allegheny Foamflower , Tiarelle , Tiarelle Cordifoliée , Tiarelle Feuille-En-Coeur , Tiarelle À Feuilles Cordées , Klaseskumblom , Spetsmössa

Scientific Names: Tiarella cordifolia , Tiarella cordifolia var. cordifolia , Tiarella cordifolia f. allanthera , Tiarella cordifolia f. tridentata , Tiarella macrophylla , Tiarella cordifolia var. bracteata , Tiarella cordifolia f. cordifolia , Tiarella cordifolia f. subaequalis

GBIF Accepted Name: Tiarella cordifolia L.