Tiarella polyphylla, commonly known as Asian foamflower, is a perennial herb native to a variety of moist, shaded environments including moist forests, shady wet places, and the understory of woodlands in Asia. Its range extends from the eastern Himalayas to China, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, thriving at elevations between 3,300 to 12,500 feet. The plant typically forms clumps up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height and width, with heart-shaped basal leaves that often have a mottled or variegated pattern. In spring to early summer, Asian foamflower produces delicate, airy spikes of small, star-shaped, whitish flowers with ovate sepals, which are attractive to pollinators and add a light, frothy texture to the garden.

Asian foamflower is valued for its ornamental foliage and its ability to thrive in shaded garden areas where other plants may struggle. It is an excellent ground cover for woodland gardens, shade gardens, and along stream banks or ponds. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full shade to partial sun. While it is generally low-maintenance, it is important to ensure that the soil does not dry out. Asian foamflower is not known for serious pest or disease problems, but it can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew in overly humid conditions. It is not considered invasive and is a charming addition to the shade garden, offering a natural, woodland aesthetic.CC BY-SA 4.0