Maple-leaf mukdenia (Mukdenia rossii) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Maple-leaf mukdenia is a perennial from Korea and northeastern China grown in shady US gardens. It has maple-shaped leaves and small white flowers in spring. It is often simply called mukdenia.

Appearance

Growth form: A low, mounding perennial that spreads slowly from thick, short and dies back in winter.
Leaves: Glossy, palm-shaped leaves split into 5–7 lobes.
Flowers: Small, white, star-shaped flowers held in branched clusters above the emerging foliage.
Flowering time: In Wisconsin gardens, small white flowers open in spring soon after the leaves begin to emerge.
Fruit: An oval capsule that splits in two when ripe.

Look-alikes

umbrella plantDarmera peltata

Mukdenia has smaller, deeply notched leaves and branching sprays of white flowers. Umbrella plant (Darmera peltata) grows much larger rounded leaves and clusters of pink flowers on sturdy stalks.

Why they get mixed upBoth can have rounded leaves and spring flowers near water or in gardens.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: shade gardens
woodland gardens
shady borders
Range: Native to Korea and northeastern China, where it clings to damp rocks along mountain streams. It is not native to the US but is sold by nurseries as a garden perennial.
Preferred conditions: In Wisconsin gardens it grows best in afternoon shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is hardy in 4–8.

Name and classification

About the name: Older references list it as Aceriphyllum rossii.
Varieties and forms: The 'Karasuba,' often sold as Crimson Fans, develops red edges on its leaves through the season.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: Gardeners use it as groundcover in shady spots.

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