Mitella diphylla (Bishop’s Cap)

Mitella diphylla (Bishop’s Cap) is a cute little wildflower boasting elongated clusters of tiny white flowers adorned with 5 delicately fringed petals. Blooming for about a month in mid-spring to early summer, the snowflake-like fringed blossoms are widely spaced at the tip of the stem and borne above 2 opposite leaves, 2.5 in. long (6 cm), nearly clasping the stem. The basal leaves are more heart-shaped, often with 5 shallow lobes. All leaves are finely hairy and the basal rosette remains vibrant green throughout the summer and early fall. The flowers develop into unusual cup-like fruits with tiny black seeds nestled inside. They are spread when raindrops hit the cups and splash the seeds out. Bishop’s Cap is easy to grow and easy to maintain once it is established. Gracing the garden, this delicate beauty is a lovely woodland spring ephemeral and worth getting down on your knees for a close-up view!

• Grows up 10-18 in. tall (25-45 cm) and 6-10 in. wide (15-25 cm). The root system can produce charming from rhizomes.
• Performs best in part shade in organically rich, dry to mesic, well-drained soils. Tolerates heavy shade.
• A welcomed addition to shady gardens, cottage gardens, woodland gardens, and naturalized areas.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagate by seed and root or runner division. A light mulch helps retain soil moisture. Seedlings start to bloom in the third year.
• Native to eastern North America.