• A close-up of Heuchera parviflora (Common Alumroot) flower spikes, displaying clusters of tiny, pale greenish-yellow blooms arranged along slender, arching stems. The delicate flowers contrast against the blurred background of green foliage and rocks, showcasing the plant’s subtle yet intricate beauty.
  • A small group of Heuchera parviflora (Common Alumroot) plants with multiple upright flower stalks rising above a bed of rounded, lobed leaves. The tiny yellow-green flowers are densely packed along the stems, standing out against a background of mixed vegetation and a rocky, shaded habitat.
  • A compact Heuchera parviflora (Common Alumroot) plant nestled among large rocks, with delicate, scalloped leaves forming a neat rosette at its base. Multiple slender stems reach upward, each topped with a cluster of immature, greenish-yellow flower buds. The plant's ability to thrive in rocky terrain is evident in this natural setting.
  • The low-growing Common Alumroot with scalloped, lobed leaves that range from muted green to reddish-pink, forming a dense rosette against a rocky, lichen-covered ground. Fine, dried grass blades and mosses weave through the foliage in this alpine or dry prairie habitat.
1 4

Wild About Flowers

Heuchera parviflora - Common Alumroot

Heuchera parviflora - Common Alumroot

$6.75 CAD
$6.75 CAD
Sale Sold out
Product Options

Common Alumroot is a hardy, clump-forming perennial with rounded, lobed green leaves that take on rich red and bronze hues in the fall. In early to mid-summer, delicate, wiry stems emerge above the foliage, topped with tiny, pale green to cream-colored flowers. The tall, airy flower stalks provide weeks of color and valuable nectar for bees and butterflies, while small birds may feed on the seeds, and its dense foliage offers shelter for insects and ground-dwelling wildlife. The name "alumroot" comes from its historical use as an astringent to stop bleeding and treat wounds.

Thriving in well-drained soils, Common Alumroot is drought-tolerant making it ideal for woodland gardens, rocky outcrops, and shaded slopes where other plants may struggle. Its deep root system helps stabilize soil, making it an excellent choice for erosion control in naturalized landscapes. Its tough, slightly hairy leaves are unappealing to most herbivores, offering strong deer resistance even in high-pressure areas.

How Easy Is This Plant to Grow?

Germination Difficulty: Intermediate
Growing Difficulty: Beginner
Speed of Growth: Moderate
Age to First Bloom: 2

Plant Sizes & Blooming Window

Important Information - The "Plant Sizes" are provided as a general guideline for plant selection. The "Blooming Window" indicates the general period when the species is in bloom, not how long an individual plant will flower.

Plant growth and bloom times will vary depending on geographical location & individual site conditions. Please scroll down to see the specific information for this plant.

Edible & Medicinal Info Disclaimer

The Edible & Medicinal information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be acted on without thorough research and professional guidance. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of or misidentification of plants.

View full details

Plant Specifics

Seeds Per Pack

Seed packs are currently unavailable.

Light Conditions

  • Part Shade
  • Sun

Soil Conditions

  • Well Drained
  • Loam
  • Sandy
  • Gravelly
  • Dry

Height

  • Under 12"
  • 12" - 24"

Width

  • Under 6"
  • Under 12"

Bloom Colour

  • Yellow
  • Green

Month of Bloom

  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August

Vigorousness

  • Moderate

Deer Resistance

  • High

Features

  • Birds
  • Butterflies
  • Bees
  • Long Bloom Time
  • Attractive Seed Heads
  • Fall Color
  • Urban Spaces
  • Rural Spaces
  • Medicinal Properties
  • Good in Containers

Chinook Exposure

  • Fully Exposed

Distribution Info

Native to western Canada, Common Alumroot is found throughout AB, SK, and parts of BC, and occurs in the western and central US. It thrives in rocky slopes, dry woodlands, shaded cliffs, and montane forests, at mid to high elevations.

Traditional Edible & Medicinal Info

Heuchera parviflora was traditionally used as an astringent infusion to treat wounds, sores, and skin irritations, while crushed roots were applied as poultices for cuts, bruises, and insect bites to aid healing. Some preparations were taken to ease stomach discomfort and diarrhea, and though not toxic, excessive consumption may cause digestive upset due to its astringent properties.