Minnesota Wildflowers


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Mitella diphylla (Two-leaf Miterwort)

Plant Info
Also known as: Bishop's Cap
Genus:Mitella
Family:Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:native
Habitat:part shade, shade; rich woods
Bloom season:April - June
Plant height:10 to 18 inches
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map

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Detailed Information

Flower: 5-petals raceme

[photo of flowers] Flowers are widely spaced in a spike-like raceme up to 12 inches long. Individual flowers are about 1/8 inch across and have 5 white feathery or fringed petals that curve back. In the center is a ring of 10 yellow-tipped stamens. A plant has a single spike of flowers.

Leaves and stem: basal opposite lobed

[photo of stem leaves] A single pair of opposite leaves is on the stem below the flower spike, and is where the “two-leaf” common name originates. These leaves are up to 2½ inches long and 1½ inches wide, coarsely toothed and usually shallowly lobed in 3 parts. It may appear that the leaves are joined around the stem, but they are not.

[photo of basal leaves] There are also basal leaves that are more heart-shaped, up to 4 inches long and 3 inches wide, on long stems, often with 5 shallow lobes. All leaves are finely hairy. The main stem is also covered in short hairs.

Where to buy native seed and plants

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  • Shooting Star Native Seeds - Native Prairie Grass and Wildflower Seeds
  • Prairie Restorations - Bringing people together with the land
  • Shop for native seeds and plants at PrairieMoon.com!
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Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

More photos

Photos taken at Wild River State Park, Center City, MN June 2008

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