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Bishop's Cap
Mitella diphylla
PerennialBishop's Cap
Mitella diphylla
Tap to flip backGrowing Conditions
Light
Part – Full Shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Loam
Size
0.5-1.5'
Bloom
White, Apr–Jun
Why Grow It
Shade Tolerant
Grows well in partial to full shade
Ground Cover
Fills in to form a living carpet
Early Bloomer
Blooms early, providing critical spring nectar
Deer Resistant
Great for gardens without fencing
Did You Know?
Each tiny flower is only 1/8 inch wide with five intricately fringed petals that resemble miniature snowflakes under magnification.
The common name 'Bishop's Cap' refers to the shape of the seed capsule, which looks like a bishop's mitre (hat).
The plant gets its genus name Mitella from the Latin 'mitra' meaning cap or turban, again referencing the distinctive seed pod shape.
Wildlife Value
🐝
Small Native Bees
Visit delicate fringed flowers for early nectar
🪰
Fungus Gnats
Help pollinate tiny flowers in shaded woodland settings
🐛
Forest Floor Insects
Ground-hugging foliage shelters beneficial invertebrates
Good Companions
🌿 Wild Ginger
🌱 Virginia Waterleaf
⚪ Foam Flower
🌸 Wild Columbine
Planting Guide
- Plant in rich, moist, humus-heavy woodland soil in shade.
- Best transplanted as plugs in spring; space 8-12 inches apart.
- Excellent ground cover under deciduous trees with spring ephemerals.
Plant Details
Made with ♥ by Lu Li