Darmera peltata

Habit: herbaceous perennial arising from a large sometimes visible rhizome. In late spring leafless flowering stems emerge before the leaves. Flower stems produce a flat topped, branched cluster comprised of many star shaped pinkish-white flowers. The dark green leaves are cupped, rounded but indented up to 24 in (61cm) across. The foliage forms a lovely, vase-like clump that turns red in autumn.

Ecology: found in the Coastal Ranges of Oregon, and Northern California, as well as the Sierra Nevada, along streams in rocky soil, at elevations less than 6500 ft (2000 m).

Growing Conditions: full sun to partial shade, prefers moist to wet well-drained soil. Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between watering.

Darmera peltata is the only species in the genus.