Star-shaped miterwort Creeping bishop's cap

A dainty and fascinating groundcover that is perfect for the close-up appreciation of a woodland gardener. Mitella caulescens produces a low carpet of hairy, heart-shaped, lobed green leaves. In late spring, it sends up slender, wiry stems carrying tiny, incredibly intricate, star-shaped greenish-yellow flowers. The petals of these flowers are so finely divided that they look like complex snowflakes or delicate lace. It is native to the Pacific Northwest but performs excellently in the UK, thriving in cool, moist, shaded environments. It spreads via runners, making it an ideal choice for filling gaps between larger woodland plants or for softening the edges of a shaded rock garden. It is fully hardy and low-maintenance, requiring only a moist, organic soil to look its best. While its flowers are small, their unique structure adds a layer of intricate detail to the woodland floor that rewards the observant gardener. It is a lovely companion for mosses and small ferns.

Sun: Full shade.

Soil: Moist, humus-rich soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: May, Junps,.