Heart-leaf foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia, Sp. Pl.: 405 (1753))

Family: Saxifragaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 405 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Tiarella

Vegetable: False

Observations: Maryland to NE. Georgia

Description

The Heart-leaf foamflower, scientifically known as Tiarella cordifolia, is a charming perennial plant that has captivated botanists and garden enthusiasts alike. First described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, whose works laid the foundation for modern botanical nomenclature, this plant holds a valued place in the Saxifragaceae family.

Thriving in the woodlands and shaded terrains, the Heart-leaf foamflower is particularly noted for its presence stretching from Maryland to northeastern Georgia. This natural habitat endows the plant with a unique adaptability to the humid, temperate climate prevalent in these areas. Tiarella cordifolia adorns shady forest floors, often forming expansive carpets of greenery punctuated by delicate blossoms.

The plant’s common name, Heart-leaf foamflower, aptly describes its most distinctive features. The foliage is heart-shaped, providing a lush ground cover that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional for garden designs. In the spring, the plant bursts into bloom, producing a frothy array of small, white or pinkish flowers. These flowers are intricate, with each petal resembling a tiny drop of foam, contributing to the plant’s ethereal beauty.

The Heart-leaf foamflower is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to bring a touch of woodland charm to their landscapes. Its low maintenance requirements and ability to thrive in shady conditions make it a versatile and reliable addition to any garden bed or border. Moreover, Tiarella cordifolia plays a role in native plantings designed to support local wildlife, providing habitat and nectar for various species of insects.

In conclusion, Tiarella cordifolia stands out not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its historical significance and ecological value. Whether admired in the wild forests of Maryland or cultivated in a home garden, the Heart-leaf foamflower is a testament to the enduring beauty of native plant species.

Common Names

Eng: false mitrewort, foamflower, heart-leaf foamflower, heartleaf foamflower, heart-leaved foamflower, coolwort
Nob: klaseskumblom
Nno: klaseskumblom
Swe: spetsmössa
Lit: širdžialapė tiarėlė
Fra: tiarelle cordifoliée, tiarelle, tiarelle feuille-en-coeur, tiarelle à feuilles cordées
En: Heart-leaf foamflower, Foamflower, False mitrewort, Heartleaf foamflower, Heart-leaved foamflower, Coolwort
Fr: Tiarelle cordifoliée, Tiarelle, Tiarelle feuille-en-coeur, Tiarelle à feuilles cordées
Lt: Širdžialapė tiarėlė
Nb: Klaseskumblom
Nn: Klaseskumblom
Sv: Spetsmössa

Synonyms

• Tiarella cordifolia var. typica (Lakela)
• Tiarella cordifolia subsp. typica ((Lakela) Wherry)
• Tiarella cordifolia subsp. collina (Wherry)
• Tiarella cordifolia f. parviflora (Fernald)
• Tiarella cordifolia var. collina (Wherry)
• Tiarella cordifolia f. tridentata (Lakela)
• Tiarella cordifolia f. subaequalis (Lakela)
• Tiarella cordifolia var. laciniata (Regel)

Distribution

• Georgia (native)
• Maryland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 26, 2019 by Adriana Campagna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2020 by Spunkt Bpunkt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2020 by maricou hans (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2022 by Maureen Darton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 28, 2021 by Claire Beaudoin (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 2, 2021 by Lucas Gierczak (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 27, 2021 by ben vc (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2021 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2021 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2021 by Kayla Parr (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 7, 2016 by EOL − Laura Brenskelle (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 10, 2021 by Kienast Pierre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 7, 2016 by EOL − Laura Brenskelle (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 24, 2013 by EOL − swhaley (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 5, 2013 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 5, 2013 by EOL − Bob Heitzman (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 25, 2013 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 22, 2013 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Apr 29, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2021 by Bianca Legault (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5371610)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30175905-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tiarella cordifolia L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth