foamflower and phlox in flower

Foamflower (white flowers) and phlox (lavender flowers). Photo: Miri Talabac, University of Maryland Extension

Updated: February 15, 2024

About tiarella or false miterwort

Tiarella cordifolia
Herbaceous flowering perennial 
Saxifrage family

Maryland Distribution: commonly found in rich woods in western Maryland

Height: foliage 6 - 12 inches high; 12 inches wide

foamflower winter foliage
Burgandy/bronze semi-evergreen foamflower foliage in winter. Photo: Miri Talabac, University of Maryland Extension

Blooms: frothy white flower spikes appear on 3-4 inch long spikes from April - July; each flower about 1/4 inch wide
Sun: medium to heavy shade
Soil: prefers moist, highly organic soil

Garden Use & Maintenance: an ideal groundcover in mass plantings; semi-evergreen foliage turns to bronze in winter; spreads in clumps

Compiled by: Ria Malloy, Horticulturist & Program Coordinator, Home & Garden Information Center. 2022

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