Family: Saxifragaceae
Author: Douglas
Bibliography: W.J.Hooker, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 236 (1832)
Year: 1832
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Heuchera
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Canada to W. U.S.A.
Description
Mat alumroot, scientifically known as Heuchera cylindrica, is an enchanting perennial plant belonging to the Saxifragaceae family. This resilient species graces the diverse landscapes ranging from Western Canada to the Western United States. It was initially documented by the renowned botanist W.J. Hooker in 1832, in his eminent work, Flora Boreali-Americana. The first detailed observations of Mat alumroot were recorded by Douglas during his botanical explorations.
Heuchera cylindrica, commonly referred to as Mat alumroot, is celebrated for its robust growth habit and distinctive cylindrical flower spikes. These plants typically thrive in rocky terrains and forested areas, where they contribute significantly to the local biodiversity.
The foliage of Mat alumroot is particularly notable for its lush, basal rosettes of rounded, lobed leaves. These leaves, often a vibrant green, create an appealing ground cover that can brighten up any garden or natural setting. As the seasons progress, the plant sends up slender, erect stems adorned with clusters of delicate, bell-shaped flowers. These blossoms, which can range in color from greenish-white to light pink, attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thus playing a crucial role in the ecosystem.
Due to its hardiness and attractive appearance, Heuchera cylindrica is a favored choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of wild beauty to their landscapes. It is versatile in cultivation, preferring well-drained soils and partial to full sunlight, although it can adapt to various growing conditions.
In conclusion, Mat alumroot (Heuchera cylindrica) is a remarkable plant that not only adds aesthetic value to its natural habitat but also supports ecological health by providing sustenance for pollinators. Its historical significance and botanical characteristics make it a subject of continued interest and admiration among botanists and horticulturists alike.
Common Names
Deu: walzen-purpurglöckchen
Fra: heuchera cylindrique, heuchère cylindrique
Eng: mat alumroot, poker alumroot, roundleaf alumroot, round-leaved alumroot, lava alumroot
En: Mat alumroot, Poker alumroot, Roundleaf alumroot, Round-leaved alumroot, Lava alumroot
Fr: Heuchera cylindrique, Heuchère cylindrique
De: Walzen-Purpurglöckchen
Synonyms
- Heuchera cylindrica var. typica (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
- Heuchera glabella var. suksdorfii ((Rydb.) Rosend.)
- Holochloa ovalifolia (Nutt.)
- Heuchera saxicola (E.E.Nelson)
- Heuchera cylindrica var. septentrionalis (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
- Heuchera cylindrica var. orbicularis ((Rosend., Butters & Lakela) Calder & Savile)
- Heuchera cylindrica var. ovalifolia ((Nutt.) Wheelock)
- Heuchera cylindrica var. alpina (S.Watson)
- Heuchera cylindrica var. glabella ((Torr. & A.Gray) Wheelock)
- Yamala cylindrica ((Douglas) Raf.)
- Heuchera alpina ((S.Watson) Blank.)
- Heuchera glabella (Torr. & A.Gray)
- Heuchera columbiana (Rydb.)
- Heuchera glabella subsp. columbiana ((Rydb.) Piper)
- Heuchera ovalifolia (Nutt.)
- Heuchera suksdorfii f. typica (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
- Heuchera suksdorfii f. sandbergui (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
- Heuchera suksdorfii f. ribesoides (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
- Heuchera suksdorfii (Rydb.)
- Heuchera ovalifolia var. orbicularis (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
- Heuchera ovalifolia var. thompsonii (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
- Heuchera ovalifolia var. alpina ((S.Watson) Rosend.)
- Heuchera cylindrica var. suksdorfii ((Rydb.) Dorn)
- Heuchera ovalifolia var. typica (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
- Heuchera cylindrica f. valida (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
- Holochloa elata (Nutt.)
- Holochloa cylindrica ((Douglas) Nutt.)
- Holochloa glabra (Nutt.)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 13, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Cade Lillquist (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 2, 2022 by Valerie Mason (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2022 by Stephanie M (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Cade Lillquist (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2022 by Stephanie M (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 24, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 24, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken May 23, 2022 by Stephanie M (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3032670)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30006012-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Heuchera cylindrica Douglas)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Crown
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 7.0