Darmera peltata (Torr. ex Benth.) Voss
Indian rhubarb, Indian-rhubarb, Umbrella plant
Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family)
Synonym(s): Peltiphyllum peltatum, Saxifraga peltata
USDA Symbol: DAPE
Fall/winter dormant, this plant show no sign of life until mid- to late spring when rhizomes send up naked flowering stalks 3-4 ft. Large masses of nearly round, jaggedly toothed leaves on rough hairy stalks, and small pink flowers in large, round, branched clusters on stalks slightly taller than leaves. These branch into panicles of showy white to pink flowers which are followed by decorative, reddish, follicle-like seed pods. Just after flowering the stately leaves unfold. Fully expanded they stand 2-3 ft. on sturdy leaf stalks. Each leaf is nearly round with a toothed outline. In fall, leaves turn various shades of russet.
With its luxuriant foliage, this plant, usually anchored firmly among water-washed rocks, can give a verdant, almost tropical aspect to mountain streams. The peltate leafstalk (attaching near the middle of the blade) is an important identification feature and gave the genus its former name, Peltiphyllum.
From the Image Gallery
Bloom InformationBloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun
DistributionUSA: CA , OR , UT
Native Distribution: Central Sierras, n. to Benton Co., OR
Native Habitat: Cold, rocky, mt., stream & river banks
Growing ConditionsLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
Soil Description: Wet, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Chlorosis is a problem in extremely basic soils. A popular landscape plant in Europe.
PropagationDescription: Pieces of rhizome readily establish.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
From the National Organizations DirectoryAccording to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Additional resourcesUSDA: Find Darmera peltata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Darmera peltata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Darmera peltata
MetadataRecord Modified: 2012-04-12
Research By: TWC Staff