Summary
The charm of two-leaf bishop’s-cap (Mitella diphylla) 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. Two-leaf 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 wild lily-of-the-valley (Maianthemum canadense), red baneberry (Actaea rubra), perfoliate bellwort (Uvularia perfoliata), northern maidenhair (Adiantum pedatum), and broad beech fern (Phegopteris hexagonoptera). Zones 3-7.
More Details
- Sun/Shade Conditions
shade-to-partial-sun - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-dry - Flowering Period
early-to-mid-spring - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green - Fruit/Seed Color
black