Island alum root facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Island alum root |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Heuchera
|
| Species: |
maxima
|
Heuchera maxima is a special flowering plant. It is part of the saxifrage family. You might hear it called island alum root or Channel Islands coral bells. This plant is found only on the four northern Channel Islands of California. These islands are part of Channel Islands National Park. It likes to grow on canyon cliffs in areas with coastal sage scrub plants.
What Does Island Alum Root Look Like?
Heuchera maxima is a type of plant that lives for many years. It grows from a special underground stem called a rhizome. This helps it spread out into a wide patch. The plant has large, round, green leaves. These leaves have many lobes, like fingers, and long stems called petioles. The edges of the leaves also have tiny hairs. This plant can grow to be about 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) tall.
It also grows a tall flower stalk, called an inflorescence. This stalk can reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) high. Many clusters of fuzzy, sticky flowers grow on this stalk. Each flower is round with thick white or pink parts. It has tiny petals that curl away from the center. The parts that stick out are called stamens. They have large tips called anthers.
Growing This Plant
Heuchera maxima is also grown by people in gardens. It is a popular ornamental plant because it looks nice. It is great for drought-tolerant gardens. This means it does not need much water. It is also a native plant to California. Many people use it in wildlife gardens to help local animals.
This plant likes places with some shade. It can even grow well in dry, shady spots. For example, it does well as a groundcover under oak trees.
