Mt Cuba Center
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Carex barrattii
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Mitella diphylla

Native Plants

Bishop’s Cap

3 Photos


Summary

The charm of bishop’s cap lies in its dainty white ¼” flowers with fringed petals held on 8-16” tall racemes above basal foliage reminiscent of maple leaves. The petite flowers are widely spaced and occur above a pair of opposite leaves on the flowering stalk. After flowering, each capsule splits to display shiny black seeds held in a tiny cup. Bishop’s cap flourishes in rich, moist to fairly dry organic soil in partially shady locations. Its rhizomatous growth makes it useful as a groundcover for small areas. Ideal companions include Maianthemum canadense, Actaea rubra, Uvularia perfoliata, Adiantum pedatum and Dryopteris hexagonoptera.


More Details

  • Plant Type
    perennial 
  • Sun/Shade Conditions
    filtered-shade, partial-shade 
  • Foliage Character
    deciduous 
  • Soil Moisture
    average, dry, moist 
  • Flowering Period
    early-spring, mid-spring
  • Soil PH
    acidic, adaptable 
  • Flower Color
    white 
  • Summer Foliage Color
    green 
  • Fall Foliage Color
    green 
  • Fruit/Seed Color
    black 

Additional Information

USDA Plants, Illinois Wildflowers