Seeds - Stoloniferous Foamflower

For successful seedlings,
see the growing notes at the bottom of the page!

Stoloniferous foamflower (Tiarella stolonifera) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the shaded forests of eastern North America. It forms low groundcovers and grows in dense clumps. It typically reaches 15 to 30 cm tall and bears finely toothed, heart-shaped basal leaves. In spring, it produces upright flowering stems bearing many small, starry white to pinkish flowers, adding a bright touch to the understory and shaded gardens.

Sociability index: 3 to 4 → Indicates the plant’s behaviour in space and its interactions with other plants.

Medicinal and culinary uses
Medicinally, the whole plant is reported to have diuretic, hepatic, lithontriptic, stomachic, and tonic properties.

Ecological roles
In the understory, stoloniferous foamflower acts as a groundcover that helps retain moisture and limit erosion. Its spring bloom is a nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; the dense colonies it forms create microhabitats for small invertebrates and enrich the diversity of the forest understory. In Quebec, its spring flowering supports bumblebee queens emerging from winter and hoverflies; the dense cover favours ground beetles and other understory invertebrates.

Note on the name
This plant has long been sold under the name foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia). A recent revision of the genus revealed that populations in northeastern North America form a distinct species, Tiarella stolonifera, stoloniferous foamflower. It is the same plant, simply under its updated name.

Stoloniferous foamflower seeds require cold stratification to ensure germination. See the growing notes below for more details.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.