Darmera peltata

Darmera peltata, commonly called umbrella plant, is thick-rhizomed perennial which typically grows 3-5′ tall and is native to mountain stream banks and woodlands from southwestern Oregon to northern California. Features small pink to white flowers (to 1/2″) in terminal, rounded clusters (corymbs) which appear atop thick hairy stems in early spring before the foliage. Large, rounded, medium green, toothed and lobed leaves (to 18″ across) emerge after bloom to form a foliage mound which remains attractive throughout the growing season as long as consistent moisture is supplied. Leaves are peltate (as the species name suggests)… meaning that each leaf arises from the rhizome on a long petiole which attaches to the center of the leaf, thus creating a large leaf cup. Upward facing leaves typically collect and hold small pools of rain water. Formerly known as and sometimes still sold as Peltiphyllum peltatum.