Botanical Name: Heuchera glabra
Family: Saxifragaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Saxifragales
Genus: Heuchera
Common Name: Alpine Heuchera
Habitat: Heuchera glabra is native to Western N. America. It growsw on the stream banks and crevices of moist rocks from the coast to above the timber line.
Description:
Heuchera glabra is an evergreen perennial herb, growing to 0.6 m (2ft). Leaves are heart shaped with point at the apex and the margines are lobed. Leaf blades are squared at the base. Flower color is white and the size is about 0.2 inches. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
Cultivation:
Succeeds in any good sweet garden soil that does not dry out in spring. Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. Prefers a well-drained fairly rich and not too heavy soil. Apt to hybridize with other members of this genus. A very ornamental plant.
Edible Uses: Leaves are eaten -raw or cooked. Not choice.
Medicinal Uses: The root is antiseptic, salve, styptic and tonic. It has been used to treat inflammation of the testicles caused by syphilis.
Other Uses: The root can be used as an alum substitute, this is a mordant used in fixing dyes. The root is rich in tannin(it contains about 9 – 20%), is this the active ingredient that acts as a mordant?. A good ground cover plant for the woodland garden.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heuchera
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Heuchera+glabra
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=HEGL5
