Saxifrage Family – Saxifragaceae
Actual flower size: 1/2 inch across
Three-toothed Mitrewort is also called Pacific Mitrewort. The former Latin name for this flower was Mitella trifida.
Plant Description: Three-toothed Mitrewort is a 6 to 20 inches tall perennial. The flowering stems are leafless, glandular hairy above, with 10 to 20 flowers on thick pedicels along the top half. The leaves are basal, long petioled, heart-shaped, very shallowly lobed, with round teeth, and up to 4 inches across.
Flower Description: The flowers are 1/2 inch across. The sepals form a cup with 5 broad, white lobes. The 5 narrow, white petals are 1/4 inch long and each has 3 blunt teeth at the tip. The 5 stamen are located in front of the calyx lobes. There are two carpels.
Ecology: Three-toothed Mitrewort grows in moist areas and bogs at middle to high elevations.
Note: The genus of this plant has recently been changed from Mitella to Ozomelis. See the note below the gallery on the Saxifrage Family page and the “APG Changes” page for more information.