Youth On Age

Tolmiea menziesii

Native to:
Canada, United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Saxifragaceae
Genus:
Tolmiea
Species:
Tolmiea menziesii
USDA Symbol:
TOME

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
greenish-purple
Ground Cover:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Greya punctiferella

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Thrives in shaded, forested environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
30–90 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification for 30-60 days; surface sow on moist medium and keep cool.

Pre-treatment: None required

Source: npn.rngr.net

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. If no germination in 3 months, try 4C 1-2 months, then 20C again.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society