Hard alumroot (Heuchera parvifolia, J.Torrey & A.Gray, Fl. N. Amer. 1: 581 (1840))

Family: Saxifragaceae

Author: Nutt.

Bibliography: J.Torrey & A.Gray, Fl. N. Amer. 1: 581 (1840)

Year: 1840

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Heuchera

Vegetable: False

Observations: WC. Canada to Mexico (Sonora, Chihuahua)

Description

Hard alumroot (Heuchera parvifolia) is a resilient and perennial herbaceous plant recognized for its adaptability and ornamental value. It belongs to the Saxifragaceae family, which is known for its diverse and often hardy members.

Originally described by botanists John Torrey and Asa Gray in their 1840 publication Flora of North America (Fl. N. Amer.), the scientific name Heuchera parvifolia aptly reflects its morphology, signifying “small-leaved.” This nomenclature was further credited to the botanical expertise of Nuttall, who provided essential classifications during the 19th century.

Primarily distributed across a wide geographical range, the hard alumroot can be found from the western regions of Canada, extending down through the United States, and reaching into Mexico, specifically in the states of Sonora and Chihuahua. This broad distribution encompasses a variety of climates and terrains, from mountainous regions to rocky outcrops, demonstrating the plant’s resilience and versatility.

Characteristically, Heuchera parvifolia thrives in well-drained soils and is often found in shadier spots where it garners protection from excessive sun exposure. It is a favored choice in horticulture for its attractive foliage and delicate flowers that add a touch of elegance to gardens and landscapes. The leaves are typically small, consistent with its name, and may exhibit varied colors ranging from deep greens to purples, depending on the specific cultivar and growing conditions.

In the wild, hard alumroot plays a crucial role in stabilizing soil and providing habitat for local fauna, including pollinators like bees and butterflies that are attracted to its blooms. The plant’s hardiness makes it an invaluable species for restoration projects, particularly in areas prone to soil erosion.

In summary, Heuchera parvifolia, or hard alumroot, is a notable member of the Saxifragaceae family with a rich botanical history and significant ecological importance. Its adaptability and ornamental appeal continue to make it a popular choice among gardeners and environmentalists alike.

Common Names

Eng: common alumroot, littleleaf alumroot, little-leaved alumroot, small-leaved alumroot
Fra: heuchère à petites feuilles
En: Hard alumroot, Alum Root, Arizona alumroot, Bridger Mountain alumroot, Butters & Lakela, Cambridge Milk-parsley, Duran’s Heuchera, Duran’s alumroot, Missouri Alumroot, Utah alumroot, Common alumroot, Littleleaf alumroot, Little-leaved alumroot, Small-leaved alumroot
Fr: Heuchère à petites feuilles

Synonyms

• Heuchera duranii (Bacig.)
• Heuchera parvifolia var. utahensis ((Rydb.) Garrett)
• Heuchera parvifolia var. major (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
• Heuchera parvifolia var. dissecta (M.E.Jones)
• Heuchera parvifolia var. flavescens ((Rydb.) Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
• Heuchera parviflora var. dissecta (M.E.Jones)
• Heuchera parvifolia var. typica (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
• Heuchera utahensis (Rydb.)
• Heuchera parvifolia var. nivalis ((Rosend., Butters & Lakela) Á.Löve, D.Löve & B.M.Kapoor)
• Heuchera parvifolia var. microcarpa (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
• Heuchera flavescens (Rydb.)
• Heuchera flabellifolia var. typica (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
• Heuchera nivalis (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
• Heuchera flabellifolia var. subsecta (Rosend., Butters & Lakela)
• Heuchera flabellifolia (Rydb.)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Utah (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Ashley Scholer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2002 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Inge Inge (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 8, 2014 by EOL − Daniel George (cc-by-nc)

© 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/3032666)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30028133-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Heuchera parvifolia Nutt. ex Torr. & A. Gray)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth