Alum Root

Huechera richardsonii

Family: Saxifragaceae
Herbaceous perennial.  Native to the American prairies.  This is a pretty edging plant with bell-shaped, white flowers arranged in open clusters which nod on their little peduncles.  The dried leaves and root make a useful astringent powder for treating cuts and scrapes or for making a healing mouthwash.  Cultivation:  Easy.  Sow seed in spring by pressing into surface of sandy potting soil. Requires light to germinate.   Do not over-water seedlings or they will rot.  Plant 6 inches apart.  Flowers 2 to 3 feet tall.



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