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Description
Mitella Breweri, also known as Brewer’s Mitrewort, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Saxifragaceae family. This delicate and unique plant is native to North America, specifically to the Pacific Northwest, where it thrives in moist, shaded areas such as forests, meadows, and stream banks. Mitella Breweri typically grows up to 6 inches in height and spreads through rhizomatous roots. It blooms from late spring to early summer, producing small, white, and bell-shaped flowers that are held on thin, wiry stems. The flowers are followed by small, heart-shaped fruits that contain several tiny seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus | Mitella |
| Species | Mitella Breweri |
Appearance
Mitella Breweri has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other plants. Its leaves are basal, meaning they emerge from the base of the stem, and are deeply lobed, giving them a delicate and lacy appearance. The leaves are green, smooth, and shiny, and can grow up to 6 inches in length. The stem is slender, wiry, and reddish-brown in color, and can grow up to 12 inches in height. The flowers are small and white, with five petals that are fused at the base, forming a bell shape. Each flower is held on a thin, wiry stem that can grow up to 10 inches in length. The fruit is a small, heart-shaped capsule that contains several tiny seeds.
Care Guide
Mitella Breweri is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care to thrive. Here are some tips on how to take care of this unique plant:Water: Mitella Breweri prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly, especially during dry spells.Fertilization: Mitella Breweri doesn’t require fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring if you want to give it a boost.Soil: Mitella Breweri prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it prefers slightly acidic soil.Sunlight: Mitella Breweri prefers partial shade to full shade, so make sure to plant it in an area that gets only a few hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Mitella Breweri is hardy in zones 5 to 8, which means it can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mitella Breweri is not prone to many pests and diseases, but it can be affected by slugs and snails, which can eat the leaves and damage the plant. You can prevent slug and snail damage by using a natural or chemical pesticide. Mitella Breweri can also be affected by powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery film to form on the leaves. You can prevent powdery mildew by keeping the plant’s leaves dry and ensuring good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Mitella Breweri is native to the Pacific Northwest, where it grows in moist, shaded areas such as forests, meadows, and stream banks. It can also be found in other parts of North America, including the Rocky Mountains, where it grows at higher elevations.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Mitella Breweri a good plant for a shade garden?
A: Yes, Mitella Breweri is an excellent plant for a shade garden. It prefers partial to full shade and can add a delicate and unique touch to any garden.Q: Does Mitella Breweri tolerate drought?
A: No, Mitella Breweri prefers moist soil and doesn’t tolerate drought well. Make sure to water it regularly, especially during dry spells.Q: Can Mitella Breweri be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Mitella Breweri can be grown in a container as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage. Make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and water the plant regularly.Q: How do I propagate Mitella Breweri?
A: Mitella Breweri can be propagated by division or by seed. To propagate by division, dig up the plant and separate the rhizomes into smaller sections. To propagate by seed, collect the seeds when the fruit turns brown and sow them in a well-draining soil mix.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that are similar to Mitella Breweri:- Mitella Nuda- Mitella Pentandra- Mitella Stauropetala
References
– “Mitella Breweri.” Plant Finder. Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c108- “Brewer’s Mitrewort.” USDA Plants. United States Department of Agriculture. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=MIBR- “Mitella Breweri.” Pacific Northwest Wildflowers. http://www.pnwflowers.com/flower/mitella-breweri
