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Sugar-scoop

Tiarella trifoliata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Sugar-scoop (Tiarella trifoliata)
Photo: (c) John A Haskins, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by John A Haskins

Toxicity unknown

Sugar-scoop (Tiarella trifoliata) 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

medium

Size

6"–12" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, ID, MT, OR and 2 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangePuget LowlandMarine West Coast ForestNorthwestern Forested MountainsCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsNorth American Deserts

Sugar-scoop is a low-growing woodland perennial that forms neat clumps of three-lobed leaves. It produces delicate white flower spikes in late spring through summer, creating an attractive groundcover for shaded areas.

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In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

  • May appear sparse or weedy to unfamiliar viewers
  • Deciduous nature leaves gaps in winter

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during its extended blooming period from May through July. This native plant provides nectar for pollinators in partially shaded garden areas where few other flowering plants thrive.

Common questions

How much sun does Sugar-scoop need?
Sugar-scoop grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Sugar-scoop bloom?
Sugar-scoop blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Sugar-scoop native?
Sugar-scoop (Tiarella trifoliata) is native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Sugar-scoop attract?
Sugar-scoop draws bees and beetles.
Is Sugar-scoop HOA-friendly?
Sugar-scoop takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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