Heuchera villosa

Heuchera villosa

Heuchera villosa, commonly known as the hairy alumroot, is a perennial plant native to the eastern United States. It belongs to the Saxifragaceae family, which is known for its diverse species of flowering plants. Heuchera villosa is appreciated for its attractive foliage and its ability to thrive in a variety of garden settings, making it a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers.

Description

Heuchera villosa is characterized by its large, hairy leaves that can vary in color from green to maroon, depending on the cultivar. The plant typically grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches and spreads out to about the same width. During the late spring to early summer, Heuchera villosa produces tall, slender stems that bear small, bell-shaped flowers. These flowers range in color from white to pink and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Habitat and Distribution

Native to the woodlands and rocky slopes of the eastern United States, Heuchera villosa is found from New York south to Georgia and west to Missouri. It prefers shaded to partially shaded areas and well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Heuchera villosa is adaptable to a range of soil pH levels and is drought-tolerant once established.

Cultivation and Uses

Gardeners value Heuchera villosa for its ornamental foliage and its ability to provide color and texture to shade gardens, borders, and container plantings. It is also used in mass plantings for ground cover. This plant is relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional watering during prolonged dry periods and some protection from extreme winter cold. Heuchera villosa can be propagated by division in spring or fall.

Several cultivars of Heuchera villosa have been developed to enhance certain features, such as leaf color and flower production. Popular cultivars include 'Autumn Bride', 'Caramel', and 'Citronelle'.

Conservation

While Heuchera villosa is not currently listed as endangered or threatened, its natural habitats are subject to the pressures of development and habitat fragmentation. Conservation efforts focus on preserving the natural environments where this species thrives to ensure its continued survival in the wild.

See Also

• Saxifragaceae
• Perennial plant
• Pollinator