When does American umbrellaleaf bloom?

American umbrellaleaf typically flowers from May through July, producing small white blooms held above its broad leaves.

What growing conditions does American umbrellaleaf need?

This forb does best in part shade to shade with consistently moist to wet soil, mimicking the damp mountain seeps and stream banks where it naturally thrives.

What pollinates American umbrellaleaf?

Bees and beetles are the main visitors to its flowers, drawn to the clustered blooms in late spring and early summer.

Is American umbrellaleaf a good choice for a rain garden or wet shade area?

Yes, because it tolerates consistently high soil moisture and part shade to shade, it suits low spots, streambanks, and shaded rain gardens well.

Is American Umbrellaleaf HOA-friendly?

American Umbrellaleaf takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

American Umbrellaleaf

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Diphylleia cymosa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Diphylleia cymosa, or American umbrellaleaf, is a moisture loving woodland forb with large umbrella shaped leaves and white flower clusters that open from May through July.

Toxicity unknown

American Umbrellaleaf (Diphylleia cymosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

GA, NC, SC, TN and 1 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Blue Ridge

American umbrellaleaf is a striking native perennial with large, umbrella-shaped leaves and clusters of white flowers in late spring and early summer. This woodland plant thrives in shady, moist conditions and produces attractive blue berries after flowering. The foliage dies back completely in winter, leaving the garden area bare during dormant months.

Growing American Umbrellaleaf

Grow American Umbrellaleaf in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Umbrellaleaf takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Completely disappears in winter leaving bare spots
Unusual appearance may seem too wild for formal landscapes
Requires consistently moist soil which can be challenging to maintain

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the blooming period from May through July. The blue berries that follow provide food for birds and other wildlife in late summer.

Common questions

When does American umbrellaleaf bloom?: American umbrellaleaf typically flowers from May through July, producing small white blooms held above its broad leaves.
What growing conditions does American umbrellaleaf need?: This forb does best in part shade to shade with consistently moist to wet soil, mimicking the damp mountain seeps and stream banks where it naturally thrives.
What pollinates American umbrellaleaf?: Bees and beetles are the main visitors to its flowers, drawn to the clustered blooms in late spring and early summer.
Is American umbrellaleaf a good choice for a rain garden or wet shade area?: Yes, because it tolerates consistently high soil moisture and part shade to shade, it suits low spots, streambanks, and shaded rain gardens well.
Is American Umbrellaleaf HOA-friendly?: American Umbrellaleaf takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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