Alumroot Heuchera americana
ABOUT
Heuchera americana, commonly known as the American alumroot, is a visually striking plant with a distinctive appearance. The foliage of this plant forms a basal rosette, and the leaves are typically rounded, lobed, and scalloped. Often, the leaves express a variety of colors ranging from green to gray, with intricate patterns that may include silvery markings or veins that stand out against the darker leaf color. The surface of the leaves can be smooth or slightly hairy. The American alumroot is not only appreciated for its attractive foliage but also for the delicate flowers it produces. The flowers bloom on slender, wiry stalks that rise above the foliage, creating an airy and whimsical look. The blossoms are typically small, bell-shaped, and arrayed in loose, open clusters. They can come in various shades such as white, greenish, or pink, and they provide a subtle contrast to the striking leaves below. Throughout the seasons, the American alumroot maintains interest in the garden, as the foliage may change color or retain its vibrancy, depending on the variety. This perennial is often used in shaded gardens or woodland settings, where its textured leaves contribute to a lush, diverse undergrowth. Overall, the American alumroot is celebrated for its lovely leaf shapes, unique patterns, and understated floral display, which all come together to create a charming and elegant presence in the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
American Alumroot, Coral Bells, Rock Geranium.
Common names
Heuchera americana var. americana, Heuchera acerifolia, Heuchera americana var. hirsuticaulis, Heuchera brevistaminea, Heuchera villosa var. hispida, Heuchera hispida, Heuchera pubescens.
ToxicityTo humans
American Alumroot is not widely known for its toxicity to humans. There are no substantive reports of the plant causing serious harm when touched or ingested. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction.
To pets
American Alumroot is generally considered non-toxic to pets. There is no significant evidence to suggest that dogs or cats suffer from any severe poisoning symptoms upon ingesting this plant. As with humans, individual allergies or sensitivities in pets could result in mild gastrointestinal upset or irritation.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Heuchera americana, commonly known as American Alumroot, is often used in gardens for its attractive foliage that adds color and texture.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, this plant is fairly drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water-use landscapes.
- Shade tolerance: It thrives in shaded areas, making it ideal for planting under trees or in parts of the garden that receive limited sunlight.
- Soil adaptability: American Alumroot can tolerate a range of soil conditions, from clay to rocky substrates, as long as the soil is well-drained.
- Erosion control: With its dense root system, this plant can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and in other vulnerable areas.
- Wildlife attraction: The flowers of Heuchera americana can attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Seasonal interest: This perennial offers year-round interest with its evergreen leaves in milder climates and seasonal foliage color changes in other regions.
- Easy propagation: It can be easily propagated through division, allowing gardeners to expand their planting or share with others at low cost.
- Low maintenance: American Alumroot requires minimal care once established, making it a practical choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Heuchera americana, commonly known as American alumroot, can be used for educational purposes in botany and horticulture classes to demonstrate plant morphology and hybridization techniques.
- Large clumps of American alumroot can be effectively used to prevent soil erosion on slopes due to their extensive root systems.
- The contrasting leaf colors and patterns of American alumroot can be used in art classes as a model for botanical drawing or natural color studies.
- Due to its nectar-rich flowers, American alumroot is a useful plant for gardeners aiming to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to their gardens.
- The unique foliage of American alumroot provides an interesting texture for pressed flower crafts and botanical prints.
- The plant's tolerance to a range of light conditions makes American alumroot a useful specimen for studying light adaptation in ecology and botany research.
- Because of its compact size, American alumroot can be used as a living decoration on green roofs, where low maintenance plants are often needed.
- Zones of American alumroot can be used to create visual barriers or low hedges in garden design, without using woody shrubs or fences.
- The long-lasting, colorful foliage of American alumroot is a source of natural dye for textile and craft projects that utilize organic materials.
- In photography, the intricate patterns and colors of American alumroot leaves can provide an eye-catching backdrop for macro photography and nature-inspired compositions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Coral Bells is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Coral Bells is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence: Heuchera americana, commonly known as American alumroot, often symbolizes perseverance due to its hardy nature and ability to thrive in various conditions.
- Variety: With its wide range of leaf colors and patterns, American alumroot reflects the idea of diversity and the richness of variation in life.
- Subtle Beauty: As a plant that is not flamboyantly showy, it represents an understated elegance and the quiet beauty that can be found in simplicity.
- Balance: The plant's ability to balance between being ornamental and functional, as it is also used medicinally, symbolizes equilibrium in life.
- Healing: Historically, due to its medicinal uses, American alumroot can symbolize healing and therapeutic properties, reminding us of nature's ability to nurture and restore health.
WaterAlumroot prefers consistent moisture but does not do well in overly saturated soils. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. On average, this might mean watering every week with about one gallon of water, depending on the local climate and season. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently. In the winter, watering can be reduced as the plant requires less moisture when it's not actively growing.
LightAlumroot thrives in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to full shade. However, it does best in partial shade where it can receive filtered sunlight or morning sun and afternoon shade. In too much direct sunlight, the leaves may scorch, while in deep shade, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
TemperatureAlumroot is hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 80°F, but it thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. Protection from extreme cold and heat can help in maintaining the plant's health and appearance.
PruningPruning alumroot helps encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Remove any dead or damaged leaves throughout the year, and after the plant blooms, cut back the flower stalks to the base of the plant. The best time to prune for general maintenance is in the early spring or after the plant has finished flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCoral bells prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Create a mix using equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite to ensure good drainage and aeration. Adding compost will enrich the mix and promote healthy growth.
RepottingCoral bells should be repotted every 3 to 4 years to refresh the soil and address any root crowding. If they are growing well and not showing signs of stress, repotting can be less frequent.
Humidity & MistingCoral bells thrive in average humidity conditions. They do well in both humid and dry environments as long as their soil moisture is well-managed and there's good air circulation.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright, indirect light and well-draining soil for indoor coral bells.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade and moist, rich soil for healthy outdoor coral bells.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleHeuchera americana, commonly known as American alumroot, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-drained soil in spring. After germination, the seedling develops a rosette of leaves at the soil surface. As the plant matures, it forms a woody rhizome from which new shoots and leaves emerge. The mature plant produces tall, flowering stalks bearing small, bell-shaped flowers in varying colors, typically in late spring to early summer. Following pollination, often by bees, the flowers develop into dry capsules containing tiny seeds that are dispersed by wind. In the right conditions, the plant may also propagate vegetatively through its rhizomes, leading to the growth of new clonal plants nearby.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Heuchera americana, commonly known as American alumroot, is by division. The best time for this process is in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, making sure to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Gently separate the crowns of the plant, ensuring that each division has several shoots and a healthy root system. Replant the divisions at the same soil depth they were growing at before and water them well to establish. It is important to space the divisions about 12 to 18 inches apart (approximately 30 to 46 centimeters) to allow enough room for growth. This method of propagation is efficient and helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become woody or less vigorous.
