Prairie Alumroot (Heuchera richardsonii)

Prairie Alumroot (Heuchera richardsonii)

Prairie Alumroot's versatility earns it a spot in any Wisconsin garden, especially since it handles dry shade, rocky soil and steep slopes without complaint. It forms neat clumps of broad, scalloped green leaves that hang on well into fall (and in some winters remain semi-evergreen if protected by snow). In late spring, slim stems rise with small, pale green flowers that attract early-season pollinators when there's not much else in bloom yet. With more sun, the blooms contain slightly redder tints. 

It’s not a showstopper, and that’s the point. Prairie Alumroot plays a supporting role that makes the rest of your planting look better. After flowering, the stems mature to soft bronze tones with airy seed heads that make an excellent backdrop for more colorful or low-growing plants in front. 

Growing Conditions
Light: Part shade to full sun
Soil: Dry to medium; handles rocky or sandy soils
Height: 12–18 inches (flower spikes up to 2 feet)
Spread: 12–18 inches
Zones: 3–7
Bloom time: May to June

Wildlife Value
A reliable nectar plant for early native bees, especially mining bees (Andrena spp.) emerging in spring. While it’s not a host plant, its blooms offer food at a time when few other native flowers are available. Also visited by hoverflies and small solitary wasps that help keep pest insects in check.

Blooms Alongside: golden alexanders (Zizia aurea), wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata), cream wild indigo (Baptisia bracteata), Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium reptans), prairie smoke (Geum triflorum)