Brewer's Cap (Mitella diphylla)

Brewer's Cap (Mitella diphylla) is a native woodland perennial with serrated, heart-shaped basal leaves and slender flowering stems. Small white flowers with fringed edges resemble delicate snowflakes, blooming along the stems from mid to late spring.

Its compact size and fine flowers make it a charming addition to shaded borders, woodland gardens, and groundcover plantings. Pair with lady fern, foam flower, or astilbe for contrasting foliage and texture.

Growing details

• Plant type: Woodland perennial
• Mature size: 0.75–1 foot tall and 0.5–0.75 foot wide
• Spacing: Approximately 0.75 foot apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–7
• Light: Part sun to full shade
• Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained soil
• Flowers: Small, fringed white flowers from mid to late spring

Care and garden use

Brewer's Cap thrives in shade with moist, well-drained soil and is drought tolerant once established. Cut back any surviving winter foliage in late winter before new growth emerges. This low-maintenance perennial generally has few problems, though mosaic virus can occur.

Use in grouped plantings, shaded rock gardens, borders, or containers where its delicate flowers can be appreciated up close.

Image credits: Prides Corner, Mitella diphylla; Alex Abair, Mitella diphylla 128679155, CC BY 4.0. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.