*Roundleaf alumroot – Heuchera cylindrica (HOI (HEW)-ker-uh sy-LIN-dri-cuh)

Family: Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family) Native to: Pacific Northwest, from British Columbia, Canada to N. CA (Modoc Plateau) ; on rocky foothill and mountain flats, slopes, and cliffs, from 3000-11,000 ft. elevation. Usually in Northern Juniper Woodland, Yellow Pine Forest, Red Fir Forest plant communities. Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: < 1 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft. Evergreen, herbaceous perennial with rounded leaves reminiscent of a small geranium. Color medium green; foliage in compact rosette, spreading by short rhizomes to form a mat. Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring; April to May in S. CA. Flowers on tall upright spikes typical of the genus. Flowers are clustered in a narrow ‘cylinder’ at the top of the robust stems – very showy and unique despite the white-green flower color. Sexual parts enclosed in floral tube. Uses in the garden: Wonderful additional to a natural, woody garden. Pair with grasses, ferns & iris from N. California to create the feel of a rain forest. Wonderful groundcover under trees. Planted in cottage gardens for many years. Make long-lived cut flowers. Important astringent medicinal plant. Used to wash cuts and sores, as an eye wash, and to treat diarrhea and sore throats. ‘Greenfinch’ cultivar has green flowers. Sensible substitute for: Non-native Heucheras and shade-loving perennials. Attracts: Excellent hummingbird and bumblebee habitat: also provides cover and seeds. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Part-shade to shade. Soil Likes well-drained, but pretty adaptable. Water Occasional to moderate – Water Zones 2 to 2-3 in S. CA. Fertilizer ½ strength fertilizer yearly. Other Fine with organic mulches. Just don’t over-water. Management: Prune out dead leaves, stems. Watch for mealy bugs and mildew in warm, moist conditions (late spring, summer). Other than that, easy to grow in garden. Propagation: from seed: fresh seed, fall-winter by cuttings/divisions: fairly easy Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 3, 8, 11, 13, 46 11/30/15

© Project SOUND * not native to western Los Angeles County, but a CA native

Small-flowered (Crevice) Alumroot – Heuchera micrantha (HER (or HOY)-ker-a mack-RAN-thuh)

Family: Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family) Native to: Northwestern part of N. Hemisphere, including inner coastal areas of much of California, through the Sierras and Cascades; in crevices, banks and wet rocky areas in Closed-cone Pine Forest, Mixed-evergreen Forest and Redwood Forest. Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft. Clumping, herbaceous perennial with rounded to maple-shaped leaves. Foliages hairy; leaves have conspicuous red veins – quite showy. Most often grown for foliage. Slow-growing; lives 10+ years. Blooms/fruits: Blooms April-June in our area. Flowers small, dainty white/pink, along tall stems above foliage. Fairly showy, particularly when massed. Moth-pollinated. Uses in the garden: Most often grown for it’s foliage color. Looks very woodsy. A good ground cover plant for the woodland garden or other shady spots (even under Walnuts). Nice as edging plant or for front of mixed beds. Great in shady rock gardens or tucked in small shady places. Sensible substitute for: Non-native shade-loving groundcovers like violets. Attracts: Excellent hummingbird habitat. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Full sun (coast only) to high or part-shade (best); more shade tolerant than other

Heucheras Soil Any well-drained soil; any local pH Water Likes regular water (Zone 2-3) but fine in Zone 2 in shady conditions. Don’t over-

water, as subject to fungal diseases. Fertilizer Likes organically rich, humusy soils; amend or leaf-mold mulch good. Other Management: Easy to grow. Remove stems of faded flower panicles to encourage continued bloom. Divide clumps in spring every 3-4 years to rejuvenate. Propagation: from seed: yes in spring by divisions: yes in spring Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 13 2/16/11 * CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. Co. © Project SOUND

*Seaside alumroot – Heuchera pilosissima (HOY(HEW)-ker-a pil-oh-SIS-ih-muh)

Family: Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family) Native to: Central and Northern coast from Santa Barbara to OR; shady, wooded, coastal slopes and coastal bluffs below 1000 ft. Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft. Evergreen, herbaceous perennial with heart-shaped, medium-green leaves. Plant is mounded, spreading by rhizomes from a basal rosette. Entire plant is densely hairy and glandular. Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring, usually Mar-June. Flowers grow on tall, upright flowering stalks. Individual flowers are small, bell-shaped, pink flowers. The sexual parts (stamens and stigma) protrude from the narrow floral neck. Flowers attract hummingbirds. Tine seeds in dry capsules. Uses in the garden: Often used as a ground-cover plant in shady gardens. Plants and flowers look spectacular when massed. Compact shape gives it a neat appearance. Great for hummingbird gardens, shaded rock gardens or in containers. Great choice for immediate coast. Looks lovely paired with moisture-loving native ferns. Cultivar ‘Lillians’ Pink’ is widely available. Sensible substitute for: Non-native Heucheras and other non-native shade-loving perennials. Attracts: Excellent hummingbird habitat: also provides cover and seeds for seed-eaters. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Part-shade to full shade. Soil Well-drained soils best; like slightly acidic pH (5.0-7.0). Water Regular water (Water Zones 2-3 to 3) in S. California. Fertilizer ½ strength once or twice a year if in pots. Other Organic mulch is fine. Management: Prune out dead leaves, flower stalks. Divide every 3-4 years, as needed. Watch for mealybugs and mildew during damp periods. Propagation: from seed: fresh seed in fall/winter by divisions: easy Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 5, 12, 46 11/29/15

© Project SOUND * not native to western Los Angeles County, but a CA native

*Island Alumroot – Heuchera maxima (HOY (HEW)-ker-uh MAKS-ih-muh )

Family: Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family) Native to: Northern Channel Islands; primarily on moist, shady, north-facing canyon bottoms, walls, and seacliffs in chaparral, coastal sage scrub. Growth characteristics: clumping perennial rush mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-3 ft. The lobed, heart-shaped green leaves form a basal clump and are often mottled with gray or pale green markings. Leaves have long stalks (petioles) and are hairy. Leaf edges coarsely toothed. Blooms/fruits: Blooms late winter to mid-spring. Numerous small white/pink bell-shaped flowers on stalk held above the foliage. Hybrids between H maxima and H sanguinea range in color from light to blight pink, magenta – very showy. Hybrids include 'Genevieve' (rose-magenta), 'Opal' (white), 'Santa Ana Cardinal' (large red), 'Susanna' (red), and 'Wendy' (pink) all developed at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden. Hybrids are readily available (see sources). Uses in the garden: Often used as a groundcover, but also nice in woodland and shade gardens or borders, along paths or in containers , and for cut flowers. Excellent under trees, including oaks. Sensible substitute for: Non-native periwinkle (Vinca major) and ivy (English & Algerian; Hedera) Attracts: Excellent habitat plant for bees and hummingbirds. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Full sun on the coast, part to full shade anywhere Soil Well-drained soils; any pH except very acidic Water Regular water to establish, then water 2-4 times per month to keep nice looking in

summer. Very drought tolerant in shade, but won’t look as nice without water. Fertilizer Light application of organic fertilizers or mulch Other Management: Mulch, remove spend flower stalks for prolonged bloom and looks. Usually need dividing every four or five years (when blooming decreases). Divisions best done in early Spring. Plant self-seeds. Propagation: from seed: in spring by divisions: easy in early spring before growth spurt. Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14, 20, 24 2/16/11 * CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. Co. © Project SOUND

*Tufted alumroot – Heuchera caespitosa [also known as H. elegans] (HOY(HEW)-ker-uh see(kess)-spi-TOE-suh)

Family: Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family) Native to: S. & Central CA mountains (western Transverse Ranges of Kern, San Bernardino, Tulare, and Ventura counties; Outer South Coast Ranges; southern Sierra Nevada foothills and mountains); Rocky areas, 4500'-8000', in Red Fir Forest, Yellow Pine Forest. Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft. Evergreen, herbaceous perennial with rounded, multi-lobed leaves. Overall shape is mounded, with foliage in basal rosette. Spreads via short rhizomes. One of the smaller native Heucheras. Blooms/fruits: Blooms in late spring – May-June, sometimes later. Flowers on tall, upright stalks typical of the genus. Flowers are small, bi-colored pale pink or lavender and shaped like an elongated bell. The flowers are more elongated and hairier than many Heucheras. Uses in the garden: Often used as an accent plant because of attractive flowers and foliage. While rare in the wild, this species is planted extensively in native and traditional gardens. Nice as a groundcover, lining shady pathways or in containers or a rock garden. Great hummingbird plant. Mass plant for maximal impact. Very pretty cut flower! ‘Bella Blanca’ cultivar has white flowers. Sensible substitute for: Non-native Heucheras and other shade-loving perennials. Attracts: Excellent hummingbird habitat: provides cover and seeds for seed-eaters. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Part-shade to quite shady in S. California. Soil Adaptable; any local pH. Water Moderate water (Water Zone 2 to 2-3). Fertilizer Yearly ½ strength fertilizer is fine – needed for containers. Other Organic mulch. Management: Prune out dead leaves, stalks. Divide as needed (every 2-3 years). Watch for mealybugs and powdery mildew in warm, damp weather. Propagation: from seed: fresh seed in fall/winter by leaf cuttings/divisions: yes Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 3, 7, 11, 48 11/29/15

© Project SOUND * not native to western Los Angeles County, but a CA native

* San Gabriel alumroot – Heuchera abramsii (HOI (HEW)-ker-uh AY-brams-ee-eye)

Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family) Native to: San Gabriel Mtn. endemic (S. California); uncommon in rock crevices, dry rocky places from 9,000' to 11,000' elevation in alpine vegetation. Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: <1 ft. mature width: 1 ft. Small, evergreen herbaceous perennial. Leaves small, rounded with 5 lobes, medium-green colored. Entire plant mounded, glandular, becoming matlike. This is a really small, almost dwarf, Heuchera. Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring or summer in native environment – spring (May-June) at lower elevations. Flowers on erect flowering stems typical of the genus. Flowers pink/magenta, small, with long, tubular throat. Very showy plant in bloom. Uses in the garden: Best used in a rock or crevice garden – or in a container. Very unusual specimen plant. Attracts hummingbirds. Sensible substitute for: Non-native dwarf perennials. Attracts: Excellent hummingbird habitat plant. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Part-shade to shade. Soil Well-drained, rocky. Water Needs to dry out between waterings (Water Zone 2). Fertilizer None needed; ½ strength once a year for container plants. Other Gravel mulch or no mulch. Management: Prune off dead leaves, stems. Watch for fungal diseases. Propagation: from seed: fresh seed in late fall, winter by divisions: yes, in spring Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 34 11/29/15

© Project SOUND * not native to western Los Angeles County, but a CA native

*Shaggy haired alumroot – Heuchera hirsutissima (HOI (HEW)-ker-a her-soo-TI-si-ma)

Family: Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family) Native to: San Jacinto Mtns & possibly Santa Rosa Mtns., S. California; u rocky areas in upper montane coniferous forest and subalpine forest, at 7000'-11,000' elevation. Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: < 1 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft. Small, evergreen herbaceous perennial with rounded, medium to dark green leaves. Young plants mounded; older plants spread to become mat-like. Very small Heuchera. Blooms/fruits: Blooms in early summer – June to July, possibly earlier at lower elevations. Flowers held along upright flowering stems held well above the foliage. Flowers small, pink, narrowly cylindric and hairy/glandular. Flowers held more loosely than in other Heucheras. Pretty. Uses in the garden: Mostly planted in rock gardens and cleft gardens, where it is right at home. Good choice for dry-stone walls and other rocky places. Excellent choice for under native oaks. Makes an interesting container or planter choice. Heat and cold tolerant. ‘Santa Rosa’ cultivar has red/white flowers and very attractive, diminutive foliage. Used as parent for hybrid cultivars. Sensible substitute for: Non-native herbaceous perennials. Attracts: Excellent hummingbird habitat: provides cover and seeds for seed-eaters. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Part-sun to shade; afternoon shade in summer. Soil Adaptable, but prefers well-drained, rocky. Tolerates clay with careful watering. Water Occasional to moderate water (Water Zones 1-2 to 2-3). Fertilizer ½ strength once a year in containers or well-drained soils. Other Inorganic mulch best. Management: Prune out dead leaves, stems. Water only during cool periods; don’t over-water. Watch for mealy bugs and powdery mildew in warm, moist conditions. Propagation: from seed: fresh seed, fall/winter. Older seed – cold treat by divisions: yes Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 11, 13, 31 11/30/15

© Project SOUND * not native to western Los Angeles County, but a CA native

*Pink alumroot – Heuchera rubescens (HOI (HEW)-ker-uh roo-BES-enz)

Family: Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family) Native to: Mountains of Western U.S. from OR to CA, AZ, NM; cracks/ledges in shaded rocky cliffs and outcrops, 6000-11,000 ft. elevation. Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: < 6 in. mature width: 1-2 ft. Dwarf, evergreen perennial with grape-like, rounded leaves. Plant is evergreen with water; drought-deciduous with summer drought. Plants spread slowly to form low-growing mat. Blooms/fruits: Blooms in late spring/early summer: Apr-June. Flowers on erect stems above the foliage – typical for the genus. Individual flowers are small, white to pink (sometimes darker), bell-shaped and drooping. Flowers are covered by crinkled hairs; sexual parts extend beyond petals. Uses in the garden: Most suited for rock or crevice gardens, but do well in any situation with shade and well-drained soils. Interesting specimen plant in a container. Good choice for shade crevices in dry-stone walls, retaining walls. Plant it next to a well-shaped rock in a Zen/meditation garden. Perfect addition to a shady, woodland garden. Cultivar ‘Troy Boy’ is compact with pale pink flowers; ‘Yosemite’ has white flowers. Plants used as astringent medicinal to wash skin, eyes. Sensible substitute for: Non-native Heucheras and other small herbaceous perennials. Attracts: Excellent hummingbird habitat: provides cover and seeds for seed-eaters. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Part-shade to quite shady; needs afternoon shade. Soil Very well-drained soils, rocky. Water Best with occasional to regular water (Water Zone 2 to 2-3). Fertilizer ½ strength fertilizer once a year. Other Inorganic mulch best. Management: Prune out dead leaves, flower stalks. Watch for mealy bugs and mildew. Propagation: from seed: fresh seed in winter/spring by divisions: yes Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 8, 34 11/30/15 * California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND