Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) is an attractive native ground cover for shade or part shade. If its heart-shaped leaves look familiar, it’s because this versatile plant is in the same family (Saxifragaceae) as Heuchera, cultivars of which are commonly sold in nurseries and big-box stores.
Foamflower produces a spreading mat of semi-evergreen foliage with bottlebrush-like flowers in April-June. Because the stamens protrude beyond the petals, the flower resembles a crown or ‘little tiara’, as the genus name suggests. These lovely blooms don’t produce nectar, however, relying instead on their ample supply of pollen to attract visitors. Bumblebees have been identified as foamflower’s most important pollinators, but it’s visited by other bees and flies as well.
Foamflower spreads by runners to form small colonies. It can retain its foliage throughout the winter, developing new leaves in the spring. This growth pattern cleverly allows for taking maximum advantage of higher light levels on the forest floor during spring and fall, when the canopy is not in full leaf.
Hard-working female bees are happy to take full advantage of foamflower’s bounty– how about you?
Happy Mother’s Day from the SBG!
