Alum Root (Heuchera richardsonii), commonly called prairie alumroot or Richardson's alumroot, is a clump-forming perennial native to the north-central United States and south-central Canada. This hardy native thrives in zones 3-9 and grows 12-24 inches tall, displaying heart-shaped, shallow-lobed leaves with distinctive white mottling and purple blush when young. It produces showy flowers from June through July and handles drought with ease, making it a low-maintenance addition to gardens that can tolerate everything from rocky prairie soils to rich loams.
Partial Sun
Moderate
3-9
24in H x 18in W
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Moderate
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Found growing naturally on prairies, open woodlands, and rocky bluffs across its native range, this perennial is built for toughness. The basal clump of 2-3 inch heart-shaped leaves develops striking white mottling and purple tones when young, creating visual interest even before the flowers arrive. Its shallow-rooted system has adapted to thrive in sandy, gravelly, and rocky soils where many other perennials struggle, and it demands virtually no maintenance once established.
As an ornamental perennial, Alum Root is grown for its attractive foliage and delicate showy flowers. The heart-shaped basal leaves with white mottling provide season-long interest in the garden, while the June-July bloom extends the plant's appeal.
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“Heuchera richardsonii is native to the north-central United States and south-central Canada, where it evolved to thrive on prairies, open woodlands, glades, slopes, and bluffs. Its presence across rocky and sandy uplands shaped its ability to handle drought and poor soil conditions. The plant's common name, prairie alumroot or Richardson's alumroot, reflects both its native habitat and its botanical naming.”