Diphylleia cymosa (Umbrella leaf)

Diphylleia cymosa Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Brown


Be the first to rate this plant

Plant Showcase - from our advertisers


Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Diphylleia cymosa Common Name: Umbrella leaf Genus: Diphylleia
Wide and distinct umbrella-like leaves form beautiful clumps in a woodland setting. The small white flowers, which persist throughout the season, transform into striking umbels of blue-black berries on cerise stalks.
Noteworthy characteristics: Large leaves, dainty flowers, and blue berries. Native to the southern Appalachians.
Care: Grow in moist, humus-rich soil in full or partial shade; shelter from strong winds.
Propagation: Sow seed in cold frame when fresh. Divide in spring.
Problems: Slugs and snails.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Spreads
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Part Shade to Full Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Native; Showy Foliage; Showy Fruit
Bloom Time Early Summer; Late Spring; Spring; Summer
Flower Color White Flower
Uses , Beds and Borders
Style , Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest , Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type ,Perennials

Plants you might also like

Polygonatum odoratum Polygonatum odoratum
(Fragrant Solomon’s seal, Solomon’s seal)
(1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

From late spring to early summer, this species bears pendent, green-tipped white flowers along arching stems. These mature into spherical black fruit in autumn, when the foliage turns yellow.

Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum'
(Variegated fragrant Solomon's seal)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Gracefully arching 2 to 3-foot tall burgundy stems support narrow leaves streaked in pure white. From late spring to early summer, this species bears white flowers that mature into spherical black fruit in autumn, when the foliage turns a golden yellow. Variegated Solomon's seal is a fine choice for a shady bed.

Dicentra eximia ‘Alba’ Dicentra eximia ‘Alba’
(Fringed bleeding heart, Turkey corn)
(1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Rows of white flowers dangle above the fern-like foliage, opening in April and continuing intermittently until October.

Actaea pachypoda Actaea pachypoda
(White baneberry, White cohosh)
(1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This 3-foot-tall and 2-foot-wide clumping perennial displays spiky racemes of white flowers in late spring and early summer followed by bright white berries with dark tips on bright red stalks. The berries are exceptionally showy and especially effective in shady woodland beds.

Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red'
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

'Husker Red' is one of the few penstemons that does well in wet winters and hot, humid summers. Ruby-toned leaves appear in spring, followed in late spring and early summer by 3-foot-high stems adorned by panicles of white blooms.  The flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, but the plants are not magnets for deer or rabbits. In autumn and winter, songbirds feast on the seed. For a stunning display, plant 'Husker Red' in groups.