Tiarella is found primarily in rich woods of New England extending south to the higher elevations of the Carolinas, though a variant species Tiarella cordifolia var.
collina, of very similar appearance has a range extending into much of the North Carolina piedmont.
This perennial herb blooms from April to June when it reaches its maximum height of 6-12 inches.
The small flowers have 5 white petals in the shape of a star with yellow stamens, and are grouped in a foam-like cluster at the apex of the stem.
The genus name Tiarella is derived from the Greek Tiara, a term for a turban worn by ancient Persians and is reminiscent of the shape of the pistil.
Foam flowers are colonial, spreading their growth by rhizomes, as well as by seed, and are a popular choice for ground cover in shade gardens.
The shallow root system of this plant makes a happy companion of deep rooted natives such as Solomon's seal and Cardinal Flowers.
This plant has a high tannin content making it a natural astringent.
Native Americans made leaf tea to cure mouth sores and eye ailments.
Root tea was used to treat diarrhea, as well as made into a poultice for topical wounds.
This native North American species has pale green heart-shaped leaves which develop bronze highlights in the autumn.
In summer, it produces a profusion of starry white flowers on 4- to 12-inch spikes.
It self-sows freely.
So once you invest in a few plants you will soon have many of them for years to come.
Some of the most common characteristics of the Tiarellas are at home in moist woodland environments.
In the garden they make wonderful carpets of intricate leaves in a variety of shapes and with distinct markings.
For a long period from spring into summer, the profusion of foamy flowers can be appreciated up close or from a distance.
Grow eastern foam flower as a groundcover or edger in a shady border or woodland garden.
It is a great foil to early spring bulbs.
The Foam Flower doesn't need much care to live and thrive as long as you provide moist, rich soil in part to full shade.
Then your Foam flower will thrive for many years to come.
For the best propagation sow seeds as soon as ripe or in a cold frame in the spring.
Divide the rhizomes in spring for the best plant possible.
A few items that love the foam flower is rust, powdery mildew, slugs and weevils but with little care and upkeep you can have a great addition to your landscape in no time.
At TN Nursery they can provide you with a great selection of White foam flowers to make your yard look professionally landscaped.
You can check them out at wholesale perennial nursery.