CURLING GREEN LEAVES AND PILLARS OF SMALL FLOWERS
FEATURES:
- Similar to Coral Bells, Alumroot has large curling green leaves
- Tall pillars bloom sprays of tiny yellow-white flowers through summer
- A shade-tolerant flowering perennial
- May Benefit & Attract: Cardinals & grosbeaks, wrens, sparrows, thrushes, orioles, finches, mockingbirds & thrashers, vireos
- The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow.
- This bird-friendly native plant provides food and shelter for local and migrating birds and other wildlife
- All Audubon® branded trees and plants are grown 100% Neonic-free by Bower & Branch, making these plants safer for the birds and safer for the environment.
- Hand Selected, Fresh from the Grower
- Ships in a plant-safe designed box
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Mature Height: 1-2' tall
- Mature Width: 2-3' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Spacing: 2-3' apart
CURLING GREEN LEAVES AND PILLARS OF SMALL FLOWERS
FEATURES:
- Similar to Coral Bells, Alumroot has large curling green leaves
- Tall pillars bloom sprays of tiny yellow-white flowers through summer
- A shade-tolerant flowering perennial
- May Benefit & Attract: Cardinals & grosbeaks, wrens, sparrows, thrushes, orioles, finches, mockingbirds & thrashers, vireos
- The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow.
- This bird-friendly native plant provides food and shelter for local and migrating birds and other wildlife
- All Audubon® branded trees and plants are grown 100% Neonic-free by Bower & Branch, making these plants safer for the birds and safer for the environment.
- Hand Selected, Fresh from the Grower
- Ships in a plant-safe designed box
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Mature Height: 1-2' tall
- Mature Width: 2-3' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Spacing: 2-3' apart
Why plant Audubon® Native Prairie Alumroot?
Plant breeding has given us Alumroot varieties, a.k.a. Coral Bells, in a rainbow of outlandish colors, from peach to purple to red to neon yellow. While color-crazed gardeners may have a lot of fun collecting these hybrids, those who favor a more natural approach to gardening will opt for something more subdued. Our Prairie Alumroot is a pure, unadulterated species of Alumroot that is beautiful in a quieter way. Plant it in masse at the edge of your backyard bird habitat, where its tidy green foliage and frothy, cream-colored flowers will make a lovely border—as well as support native pollinators!
Prairie Alumroot’s native range forms a triangle whose three points are Montana, Michigan, and Missouri. It grows in open spaces, where it’s visited by a variety of pollinators in early summer. Several species of cellophane bees, a.k.a. polyester bees, collect its nectar and pollen. These gentle native bees get their name from the plastic-like substance they produce for waterproofing their underground nests. (They also manufacture their own fungicides to keep their nests clean.) One cellophane bee species in particular that relies Prairie Alumroot pollen is rarely seen anymore. You can support this remarkable creature by planting this species in your own garden!
How to use Audubon® Native Prairie Alumroot in the landscape?
There are about 50 species of Alumroot in the world, all of them native to North America. Plant breeders have taken a special interest in Prairie Alumroot lately, because it is native to some very cold areas (it can survive winters where the mercury drops to -40ºF!). By hybridizing it with other species, they can develop new forms that are more cold-hardy.
Audubon® Native Plants & Trees
Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.
What is the definition of Native?
“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society
Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.
Audubon® is a licensed and registered trademark of the National Audubon Society. All rights reserved.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
How To Plant Audubon® Native Prairie Alumroot
Most Alumroots are happiest in part shade. Prairie Alumroot will grow in part shade, too, but it is actually better adapted to full sun. Sharp drainage is critical, as this plant doesn’t like to sit in water, especially in winter, when it isn’t actively growing. Prairie Alumroot’s foliage is evergreen; wait until spring to remove any unsightly foliage. The only other maintenance you will want to do is to divide the clumps every three years or so. Simply dig them up in spring, pull apart healthy pieces, and replant. This will keep your plants growing strongly.
How To Water
Water twice weekly for the first 3-5 weeks; then water weekly for the remainder of the year until winter. When you water, water slowly and thoroughly. Watering needs may be altered due to extreme weather conditions.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant food granular form on an annual basis each late year. Continue this for three years to get your plant well established.
How To Prune
Each fall, just before winter sets in clean up the previous years foliage and compost it. Be sure your perennials are mulched well for winter protection. Two inches of an organic mulch will do the job. Consider leaving the plant debris in place through the winter and doing your clean up on the weather warms in the spring. While it doesn't make things neat and tidy, the debris provides overwintering protection for insects, their eggs and pupae including our native Viceroy butterfly.
How Does Shipping Work?
Size Small (AAA), Medium (A2A), and Large (AA) plants (our Treelings, Shrubs, Bushes, and Perennials) will be shipped directly to your home by a common carrier. Ships in a plant-safe designed box within 5-7 business days.
