• The delicate greenish-brown flower of Bishop’s Cap (Mitella nuda) displays its unique star-like shape, with fringed, antenna-like petals extending outward. Tiny cream-colored stamens cluster around the center, adding to its intricate detail.
  • A cluster of Bishop's Cap (Mitella nuda) plants grows in a mossy woodland setting, with slender stems rising above round, scalloped leaves. The tiny, spidery flowers are scattered along the thin stalks, creating an airy, intricate display.
  • The foliage of Bishop's Cap (Mitella nuda) shifts to autumn hues, with soft green leaves turning shades of pink and red. A single, strikingly crimson leaf stands out against the muted tones of the woodland floor.
  • A lush carpet of Bishop's Cap (Mitella nuda) spreads across the forest floor, its dense, rounded leaves creating a vibrant green groundcover. Delicate flowering stems rise above the foliage, blending into the shaded understory.
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Wild About Flowers

Mitella nuda - Bishop's Cap

Mitella nuda - Bishop's Cap

$8.00 CAD
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Bishop's Cap is a delicate, shade-loving perennial admired for its tiny, intricate, fringed, greenish-white flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. These dainty, star-like blossoms rise on slender stems above a low mound of rounded, scalloped leaves, creating a soft, airy texture in woodland gardens and moist, shaded borders. The flowers attract small solitary bees and other forest pollinators, while the tiny seeds may be eaten by small birds.

Thriving in partial to full shade, Bishop's Cap contributes to forest floor biodiversity by helping to retain moisture in shaded environments. It pairs beautifully with lush shade plants in damp areas along garden pathways, ponds, or woodland edges. A unique choice for both urban and rural plantings, it spreads slowly and remains well behaved. While deer may nibble young growth in spring, mature plants are typically left alone, offering moderate resistance to browsing.

Bloom Times & Plant Sizes

Important Information - The "Bloom Period" is an indicator of the time period within which the wildflowers will bloom and does not describe the time period that a single plant will bloom.  The "Sizes" listed are intended to be a general guideline to consult during plant selection. - Plant growth and bloom times will vary depending on geographical location & individual site conditions.

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.

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Plant Specifics

Seeds Per Pack

Seed packs are currently unavailable.

Light Conditions

  • Shade
  • Part Shade

Soil Conditions

  • Moist
  • Rich
  • Loam
  • Gravelly

Height

  • Under 6"
  • Under 12"

Width

  • Mat Forming

Bloom Colour

  • Yellow
  • Brown/Bronze

Month of Bloom

  • May
  • June

Vigorousness

  • Slow
  • Moderate

Deer Resistance

  • Moderate

Features

  • Birds
  • Bees
  • Attractive Seed Heads
  • Fall Color
  • Used as Groundcover
  • Urban Spaces
  • Rural Spaces
  • Medicinal Properties
  • Good in Containers

Chinook Exposure

  • Sheltered
  • Moderate

Distribution Info

Native to Canada, Bishop’s Cap is found in every province and territory, extending into the northern US. Often found in deciduous and mixed forests it thrives in boreal forests, moist woodlands, shaded streambanks, bog edges, and shaded wetland margins.

Traditional Edible & Medicinal Info

Mitella nuda was traditionally used by Indigenous groups for medicinal purposes. Notably Woodland Cree, crushed leaves wrapped in cloth and applied it to the ear to relieve earaches. The plant was also valued for its diuretic properties, with leaf infusions used to treat bladder and kidney inflammation. It was primarily used as a topical remedy and herbal infusion for mild ailments.