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Common Name: Foamflower

General Information

Tiarella cordifolia is a Evergreen Perennial up to 0.20 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Ontario and Minnesota, south to Michigan, Georgia and Virginia.

Habitat

Rich moist woodlands in the mountains[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.20 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a moist humus rich soil in a shady position[]. Plants are tolerant of deep shade[]. Prefers a light rich soil[]. Prefers a woodland soil but succeeds in most soils[]. Dislikes prolonged winter wet[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].
The plant makes a neat edging to a bed[].
This species has become a weed in some gardens, spreading by means of long stolons[]. The sub-species T. cordifolia collina has a non-creeping rootstock[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The whole plant is diuretic, hepatic, lithontripic and tonic. It is used in the treatment of bladder and liver problems and also indigestion and dyspepsia[, , , ]. An infusion of the root and leaves has been used to help small children put on weight and also as a wash for a baby's sore back[]. The whole plant is rich in tannin and this is probably the medically active ingredient[].
A tea made from the leaves is diuretic[]. It has been used as a mouthwash and as a wash for sore eyes[, ]. The tea is held in the mouth to remove a white coating from the tongue[].
A tea made from the roots is diuretic and is used in the treatment of children with diarrhoea or sore mouths[, ]. The crushed roots can be used as a poultice on wounds[].

Other Uses

Can be used as a ground cover plant[]. It is rather slow to spread, though, and needs weeding for the first year or so[]. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way[]. This is one of the most attractive and prolific ground cover plants[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring or autumn[]. The plant is quite vigorous and is best divided every second year[]. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.