Contents
Description
Mitella is a genus of perennial plants that belong to the Saxifragaceae family. It is commonly known as the “miterwort,” and its name comes from the Latin word for “little cap” due to the shape of its seed pods. The genus includes around 40 species that are native to North America, Europe, and Asia.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus | Mitella |
Appearance
Mitella plants are low-growing and typically reach heights of 6-12 inches. They have a clumping habit and produce basal rosettes of lobed or toothed leaves. The stems are slender and bear small, delicate white or pink flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. The flowers are followed by small, heart-shaped seed pods that resemble little caps.
Care Guide
Mitella plants are relatively easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. Here are some tips for keeping your plants healthy:
Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry weather.
Fertilization
Feed Mitella plants with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil
Plant Mitella in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic soil pH of 5.5-6.5 is ideal.
Sunlight
Mitella plants prefer partial shade to full shade. Avoid planting them in direct sunlight or in areas that receive more than 4-6 hours of sun per day.
Hardiness Zones
Mitella plants are hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mitella plants are relatively pest and disease-resistant, but they can still be affected by a few common problems:
Pests
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Slugs and snails
Diseases
- Powdery mildew
- Root rot
- Leaf spot
Habitat
Mitella plants are found in a variety of habitats, including moist woodlands, meadows, and rocky slopes. They are native to North America, Europe, and Asia and can be found growing in the wild across these regions.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Mitella plants?
A: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot, dry weather.
Q: What is the ideal soil pH for Mitella plants?
A: A slightly acidic soil pH of 5.5-6.5 is ideal for Mitella plants.
Q: What are some common pests that can affect Mitella plants?
A: Aphids, spider mites, and slugs and snails are common pests that can affect Mitella plants.
Q: Where are Mitella plants native to?
A: Mitella plants are native to North America, Europe, and Asia.
Related Plants
- Saxifraga
- Tiarella
- Heuchera
- Coral bells
References
- “Mitella.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 2 March 2022.
- “Mitella.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 17 February 2022. Web. 2 March 2022.
- Dirr, Michael. “Mitella.” Manual of Woody Landscape Plants: Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses. Champaign, IL: Stipes Publishing, 1990. Print.
