Saxifrage Family – Saxifragaceae
Actual flower size: 1/2 inch across
The former Latin name for Leafy Mitrewort was Mitella caulescens.
Plant Description: Leafy Mitrewort has a hairy, 8 to 16-inch flowering stem, 1 to 3 stem leaves and a raceme of up to 25 tiny flowers near the top. There are 5 to 7 heart-shaped basal leaves on long petioles, 2 inch across, with 3 to 5 distinct lobes, small teeth, and coarse hairs on the upper surface.
Flower Description: The flowers are 1/2 inch across. The are like greenish-white saucers with 5 rounded lobes have 5 TV-antenna-like petals that are very narrow and have 7 to 9 thread-like appendages branching off horizontally. The 5 stamens are located between the petals. The petals and stamen turn purple at the base as they age.
Ecology: Leafy Mitrewort grows in moist, shaded forest, wet meadows, and swamps at low to middle elevations.
Note: The genus of Leafy Mitrewort has recently been changed from Mitella to Mitellastra. See the note below the gallery on the Saxifrage Family page and the “APG Changes” page for more information.