Prairie Alumroot is a rugged and attractive native perennial that brings subtle elegance and exceptional durability to the sunny garden. It forms a tidy basal rosette of hairy, heart-shaped leaves that remain attractive throughout the growing season, reaching about 1 to 2 feet in height. In late spring and early summer, it sends up slender stalks topped with tiny, bell-shaped flowers in shades of green and yellowish-tan. Native to the prairies and rocky woods of central North America, this species is incredibly tough, tolerating drought and a wide range of soil types from medium-wet to very dry. It is a fantastic choice for rock gardens, border edges, or dry prairie restorations where it provides nectar for small bees and flies. Once established, it requires very little maintenance and is remarkably long-lived. For successful propagation, seeds should be given a 60-day cold-moist stratification (C60) before being sown in a sunny or partially shaded location.

Quick facts

• Height: 1–2 ft
• Sun: Full to Partial
• Soil moisture: Medium-Wet to Dry
• Bloom time: May–Jul (Green)
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Native range: Native to 15 states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska

See the full growing guide and county range map for Prairie Alumroot