Herb: Foamflower


Latin name: Tiarella cordifolia


Family: Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family)



Medicinal use of Foamflower:

The whole plant is diuretic, hepatic, lithontripic and tonic. It is used in the treatment of bladder and liver problems and also indigestion and dyspepsia. An infusion of the root and leaves has been used to help small children put on weight and also as a wash for a baby's sore back. The whole plant is rich in tannin and this is probably the medically active ingredient. A tea made from the leaves is diuretic. It has been used as a mouthwash and as a wash for sore eyes. The tea is held in the mouth to remove a white coating from the tongue. A tea made from the roots is diuretic and is used in the treatment of children with diarrhoea or sore mouths. The crushed roots can be used as a poultice on wounds.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Perennial

Height:
20 cm
(7 3/4 inch)

Flowering:
April
to June

Habitat of the herb:

Rich moist woodlands in the mountains.

Other uses of Foamflower:

Can be used as a ground cover plant. It is rather slow to spread, though, and needs weeding for the first year or so. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way. This is one of the most attractive and prolific ground cover plants.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. The plant is quite vigorous and is best divided every second year. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Cultivation of Foamflower:

Rich moist woodlands in the mountains.

Known hazards of Tiarella cordifolia:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.