Common name: Umbrella leaf, umbrella plant, Indian rhubarb
Botanical name: Darmera peltata Foliage: Leaves can be 18 inches
in diameter. The leaf stem sits at the center of the leaf,
creating a cup-like shape. Water often collects in the center of
the leaf. Leaves look something like an umbrella that’s gone
inside-out in a wind gust, hence the common name umbrella leaf.
Deep green in spring and summer; bronzy red in fall. Flowers:
Small pinkish white flowers are held in a cluster on tall stalks
in early spring, before the foliage develops. Habit: Rounded
rhizomatous perennial, 3 to 5 feet tall and wide. Season:
Summer, for foliage. Origin: Mountainsides and streambanks of
tnorthern California and southwest Oregon. Cultivation: Grow in
part to full shade, in moist to wet soil. Tolerates full sun as
long as soil stays consistently damp. Periods of dry soil will
cause leaf scorch. Does not tolerate very hot temperatures and
high humidity. Deer resistance is unknown. USDA Zones 5–8.