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Threeleaf Foamflower

Tiarella trifoliata

Also known as Sugarscoop, Lace Foamflower, Western Foamflower

herbaceousβ›… part shadeπŸ’§πŸ’§ moderate water❄ Hardy: Zone 3a – Zone 8b

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A low-growing perennial with three-lobed foliage and delicate white or pink flower spikes that emerge in spring. It makes an excellent groundcover for shaded woodland gardens and moist areas.

Why grow it

Threeleaf Foamflower offers a fine-textured, low groundcover option for shaded woodland settings where many perennials struggle, particularly in moist or consistently cool soils. Its delicate flower spikes provide subtle spring interest without aggressive spread, making it useful for stabilizing slopes or filling gaps beneath shrubs and trees in native plant communities.

Watch out for

This species prefers consistently moist soil and may thin or decline in dry shade or during extended dry periods without supplemental water. It tends to spread slowly, so patience is needed before it establishes as a dense groundcover, and it may be crowded out if surrounded by vigorous competing plants.

Overview

Form
Mounding
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
0.5–1.5β€² tall Γ— 1–2β€² wide
Dormancy
semi-evergreen
Family
Saxifragaceae
Erosion control

Native to the United States

Native Range

Western North America

Native to: Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummer

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Companion Planting

Plants well with