About Heuchera americana L.
American alumroot, scientifically known as Heuchera americana L., is a ground cover plant with alternate leaf arrangement. Its leaves are lobed and semi-palmate, and can be green, purple, or brown; they may or may not be veined or marbled. Loose racemes of small, unremarkable green to cream flowers grow up to 1 meter tall, blooming from June to August. This species is monoecious, with 5 stamens, and it can have either 5 petals plus 5 sepals, or 5 tepals. In the wild, it grows in rock crevices and on bluff ledges, and prefers acidic soil. It is susceptible to leaf scorch, so it grows best in locations that receive at least some shade. American alumroot has become popular with horticulturists and home gardeners, grown most often for its distinctive foliage, and new cultivated varieties are introduced regularly.
