How to identify Hairy alumroot (Heuchera villosa)

How to identify Hairy alumroot (Heuchera villosa)

Hairy alumroot is characterized by its broad, palmately lobed leaves that are soft to the touch due to fine hairs. These leaves can span up to 4 inches (10 cm) wide, displaying a rich green color. The foliage forms a low mounding habit, contributing to the plant's lush, rounded appearance. In terms of size, hairy alumroot typically reaches a modest height of about 18 inches (45 cm) and spreads equally wide. Its structural form provides an evergreen presence in suitable climates.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Evergreen, Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify Hairy alumroot

Broad, palmately lobed leaves up to 4 inches (10 cm) wide, lush green color.

Delicate white to pale pink flowers with prominent sepals, small blooms.

Dry dehiscent capsules, beige to pale brown, 0.2 inches (5 mm), split to release seeds.

Basal leaves with bronze/purple color, 5-9 lobed margins, hairy texture, 2-4.5 inches (5-11.5 cm).

Detailed Traits of Hairy alumroot

Leaf Features

The basal leaves of hairy alumroot are notable for their bronze or purple coloration and have 5-9 sharply lobed margins, resembling maple leaves. Measuring between 2-4.5 inches (5-11.5 cm), each leaf is supported by a long stalk. The stems and leaves are covered in fine hairs, adding a textured appearance. These features, including the unique lobes and hairy texture, are key for identifying hairy alumroot.

Leaf Shape

Cordate ,

Circular ,

Oblong

Leaf Base

Cordate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Obtuse

Leaf Texture

Succulent/Fleshy

Leaf Margin

Revolute

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Flower Features

The flowers of hairy alumroot feature small and delicate blooms with prominent sepals that outshine the inconspicuous petals. Each flower displays extended pistils and stamens, adding to its intricate appearance. The petioles and flowering stems are covered with fine hairs. Blooming from June to October, the white to pale pink flowers are typically small, about 0.25 inches (6 mm) across. These blossoms are important for plant identification due to their distinct sepals and minimalist petals.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of hairy alumroot is a dry dehiscent capsule, which on maturity, splits open to release the seeds. Each fruit capsule is small, approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) in length, and typically houses two seeds. The fruit's exterior is beige to pale brown, with a delicate, fine papery texture. These capsules are borne on slender, erect stems that extend above the foliage. The time frame for their appearance in the specific region noted is from July to November.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Hairy alumroot and Their Similar Plants

Coral bells vs. Hairy alumroot: What's The Difference?

Coral bells (Heuchera sanguinea) is a herbaceous perennial that will grow from 30 to 46 cm tall. It blooms from spring to summer with deep-red to pink bell-shaped flowers. Blossoms attract hummingbirds. Thrives in full sun to partial shade and needs consistently moist well-drained soil. Makes a nice ground cover and remains evergreen in warmer climates.

American alumroot vs. Hairy alumroot: What's The Difference?

American alumroot (Heuchera americana) is a small, rosette-shaped plant with that grows best in rich, moist wooded areas. The species' leaves are high in tannins, making it resistant to deer and other herbivores. It is also fairly drought tolerant and does well even in the shade. For these reasons, the plant is a popular ornamental groundcover species, particularly in the eastern and southern U.S.

Jill of the rocks vs. Hairy alumroot: What's The Difference?

Heuchera maxima is a rhizomatous perennial herb growing a broad patch of large, rounded, multilobed green leaves with long petioles and a fringe of hairs along the edges. It grows 30 to 91 cm in height. It produces an erect inflorescence up to 60 cm tall, with many clusters of hairy, glandular flowers.

Coral bells 'Southern Comfort' vs. Hairy alumroot: What's The Difference?

Coral bells 'Southern Comfort' has large leaves that bend toward the tip. These leaves change in color, growing in as a peach shade that fades to pale orange over time. This cultivar is a hybrid between Heuchera 'Sparkling Burgundy' and Heuchera villosa. It is a parent to Heuchera 'Electric Lime'.

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Key Facts About Hairy alumroot

Attributes of Hairy alumroot

Lifespan

Perennial

Spread

35 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Purple

Flower Size

1 mm to 3 mm

Flower Color

White

Pink

Leaf type

Evergreen, Semi-evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Hairy alumroot

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

Family

Saxifrage

Genus

Alumroots

Species

Hairy alumroot (Heuchera villosa)

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Distribution Map of Hairy alumroot

Hairy alumroot is native to the eastern United States, with its range extending from Mississippi north to New York. It has not been introduced elsewhere. This plant can be found growing in rocky woods and rock outcrops. It is grown for garden use.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Hairy alumroot How to Grow and Care for Hairy alumroot