Rock Geranium, American alumroot, Alumroot, Coral Bells, Rock Geranium

Heuchera americana

Physical Characteristics

Heuchera americana is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Southern Ontario to Connecticut and Michigan, south to Oklahoma and Georgia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Cancer Dysentery Vulnerary The root is very astringent and has been used in the treatment of cancer and also as an external remedy in sores, wounds, vaginal discharges and ulcers[207, 238]. It can be dried, ground into a powder and sprinkled onto wounds etc[213]. It is taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and gastric ulcers[238]. It should be used with some caution since excess irritates the stomach and can cause kidney and liver failure[238]. The root is harvested in the autumn and is dried for use in decoctions or as a powder[238].

Known Hazards

None known