Family: Saxifragaceae
Author: Torr.
Bibliography: H.Stansbury, Expl. Surv. Great Salt Lake: 388 (1853)
Year: 1853
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Heuchera
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. & SC. U.S.A. to N. & W. Mexico
Description
Jack-o’the-rocks (Heuchera rubescens)
Jack-o’the-rocks, scientifically known as Heuchera rubescens, is a fascinating plant species that hails primarily from the Western and Southwestern United States, extending its presence down into Northern and Western Mexico. This plant belongs to the Saxifragaceae family, a group known for its diversity and the unique beauty of its flowering species.
First documented by the renowned botanist Torr., Jack-o’the-rocks was detailed extensively in H. Stansbury’s “Exploration and Survey of the Great Salt Lake,” published in 1853. This early documentation remains a vital source of information on the native flora of the region.
Jack-o’the-rocks is particularly esteemed for its resilience and adaptability, thriving in rocky terrains where few other plants manage to establish themselves. The plant forms attractive rosettes of leaves, often tinged with a reddish hue, which is a signature trait hinted at by its scientific name, “rubescens.”
The plant’s flowering season reveals delicate, bell-shaped blooms that add a subtle charm to the rocky landscapes it calls home. These flowers not only contribute to the plant’s aesthetic appeal but also play an important role in the local ecosystem, providing nectar and habitat for various pollinators.
Cultivators and garden enthusiasts often seek out Heuchera rubescens for xeriscaping projects due to its drought tolerance and minimal maintenance requirements. Its ability to thrive in less fertile soils and withstand harsh conditions makes it a valuable addition to rock gardens and naturalistic landscapes.
In summary, Jack-o’the-rocks is a resilient and charming species that underscores the beauty and adaptability of the Saxifragaceae family. Its historical documentation and ongoing presence across a broad geographic range highlight its significance in both botanical study and practical horticulture.
Common Names
Deu: herzblättriges purpurglöckchen
Eng: jack-o’the-rocks, pink alumroot, red alumroot
En: Jack-o’the-rocks, Red alumroot, Pink alumroot
De: Herzblättriges Purpurglöckchen
Synonyms
- Heuchera versicolor var. leptomeria ((Greene) Kearney & Peebles)
- Heuchera rubescens f. ambigua (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
- Heuchera rubescens var. typica (M.G.Stewart)
- Heuchera rubescens var. truncata (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
- Heuchera rubescens var. versicolor ((Greene) M.G.Stewart)
- Heuchera rubescens var. pachypoda ((Greene) Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
- Heuchera rubescens var. rydbergiana (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
- Heuchera versicolor f. pumila (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
- Heuchera rubescens var. pringlei ((Rydb.) Jeps.)
- Heuchera nana ((A.Gray) Rydb.)
- Heuchera cuneata (Howell)
- Heuchera rubescens var. alpicola (Jeps.)
- Heuchera rubescens var. cuneata ((Howell) M.G.Stewart)
- Heuchera rubescens var. elegans ((Abrams) Jeps.)
- Heuchera sitgreavesii (Rydb.)
- Heuchera leptomeria var. peninsularis (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
- Heuchera pringlei (Rydb.)
- Heuchera rubescens var. glandulosa (Kellogg)
- Heuchera versicolor (Greene)
- Heuchera rubescens var. nana (A.Gray)
- Heuchera rubescens var. nevadensis (Jeps.)
- Heuchera rubescens var. oregonensis (Wheelock)
- Heuchera leptomeria (Greene)
- Heuchera pachypoda (Greene)
- Heuchera clutei (A.Nelson)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Apr 25, 2012 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 21, 2015 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 9, 2015 by EOL − paloma (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 14, 2012 by EOL − Erica Krimmel (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − This image is not copyrighted and may be freely used for any purpose. Please credit the artist, original publication if applicable, and the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database. The following format is suggested and will be appreciated: Sheri Hagwood @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database If you cite PLA (public)
Flower
Taken Apr 9, 2013 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2009 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2015 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2015 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 24, 2016 by EOL − Steven Thorsted (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 12, 2015 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2015 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2015 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2015 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 7, 2013 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Jul 3, 2015 by EOL − paloma (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 21, 2015 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)
Other
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3032671)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:791401-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Heuchera rubescens Torr.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb