Perennial of the Saxifragaceae family, native to eastern North America, from the Appalachians to Canada. It inhabits cool and humid undergrowth, shaded ravines, and forest banks, on humus-rich soils, generally acidic to slightly neutral.
The plant forms large dense mats, spreading by stolons, with a modest height of 15 to 30 cm in foliage, the floral stems reaching 25 to 35 cm. The leaves are heart-shaped, lobed, slightly crinkled, of a tender and bright green, often traversed by a network of darker, slightly bronzed veins; they persist in winter under mild climates.
The flowers, very small, are gathered in upright, narrow, and dense spikes, of pure white to slightly creamy, with finely protruding stamens that give them a particularly characteristic airy and starry appearance. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from April to June. In cultivation under our climates, it generally occurs from April to May.
A remarkable trait lies in its ability to quickly colonize the soil with its creeping stolons, forming an effective covering mat under trees and shrubs. The indigenous peoples of North America recognized its medicinal uses, notably against oral ailments.
It requires cool, well-drained but moisture-retentive soil, rich in organic matter, in shade or partial shade. It does not tolerate hot and dry situations. Excellent plant for undergrowth, shaded bank, or woodland garden.