Bishop's Cap

About Bishop's Cap

Bishop's Cap, or Two-leaf Miterwort, is a delicate and sophisticated woodland native that rewards those who look closely. This diminutive perennial produces slender flower stalks reaching about a foot in height, each adorned with a pair of opposite leaves—the 'two leaves' of its common name. In mid-spring, the stalks are topped with tiny, exquisite white flowers that feature intricately fringed petals resembling delicate snowflakes or lace. Native to rich, deciduous forests of eastern North America, it thrives in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Its unique flower structure attracts specialized pollinators like sweat bees and hoverflies. After flowering, the small, cup-like seed pods resemble a bishop's liturgical cap, adding further interest to the plant. Bishop's Cap is a perfect choice for a shaded rock garden or as a companion to other woodland species like Wild Ginger or Trillium. While it can be slow to establish from seed, its refined beauty and quiet elegance make it a prized addition to any shade garden.