Heuchera americana 'Dales Strain' is a resilient native alumroot known for its striking silver mottled foliage which shifts in tone throughout the seasons. The evergreen maple shaped leaves emerge in shades of pewter green with dark veining and become more dramatic in cool weather. Airy white to pale green flowers rise above the foliage in late spring, attracting pollinators while providing vertical texture in woodland gardens and shady borders.
Height & Spread: 12 - 18 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained humus rich soils
Watering Needs: Average; consistent moisture preferred but tolerates short dry periods
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant due to tough, leathery foliage
Native Status
This cultivar originates from Heuchera americana, a species native to eastern North America. It is well adapted to native plantings, woodland edges, and shaded pollinator habitats.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Provides nectar to small native bees including sweat bees (Halictidae) and mining bees (Andrena), especially in shaded woodland conditions.
Butterflies
- Occasionally visited by spring flying butterflies such as Juvenal’s Duskywing and Spring Azure for early nectar sources.
Beneficial Insects
- Supports predatory beetles and parasitic wasps that use low dense foliage for cover and overwintering.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 in apart for full foliage coverage and ground hugging effect in shade gardens.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for woodland understory, shady paths, native plant borders, and as an accent in containers or rock gardens with morning sun.
Companion Plants
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Looking Glass' - Silvery heart shaped leaves and sky blue flowers mirror the foliage tones of 'Dale’s Strain'.
- Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' (Variegated Solomons Seal) - Arching stems with variegated foliage contrast nicely against the mounded form of Heuchera.
- Carex appalachica - Fine textured sedge native to similar habitats, offering foliage contrast and ecological harmony.
- Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger) - Broad, low leaves fill gaps and preserve soil moisture while thriving in similar conditions.
- Dicentra eximia (Fringed Bleeding Heart) - Lacy foliage and pink blooms provide seasonal layering above and around Heuchera’s dense clumps.