Description

Sugar scoop is native to the redwood forests of coastal California from Santa Cruz County north. It is one of the many members of the Saxifrag family in California best known for the alum roots of the Heuchera genus. Like the heucheras, sugar scoop grows as a low bunch of rounded lobed leaves. In the spring, it sends up a raceme of little white flowers that brighten the dark, moist forest settings which it favors. The petals are bent back, resembling little white scoops. Since this little plant is not native to the Mediterranean portions of the state, care should be taken when siting it in the garden. Generous shade and regular water should be provided.