As I rediscover the wonders of Treman Gorge this spring, I stumbled upon a delightful surprise nestled among the leaf litter—an encounter with Mitella diphylla, commonly known as the bishop’s cap or two-leaved miterwort. This charming wildflower, modest yet mesmerizing, seemed to beckon with its understated beauty, provoking a sense of wonder at its delicate presence.
The name Mitella diphylla is a poetic nod to its physical form—’Mitella’ meaning ‘little mitre,’ a reference to the small, mitre-shaped capsules of the fruit, and ‘diphylla,’ meaning ‘two leaves,’ highlighting its characteristic pair of basal leaves. This etymology whimsically captures the essence of the bishop’s cap, a plant whose morphology and name alike hint at a past intertwined with religious symbolism and natural history.
Physically, Mitella diphylla is a study in grace and efficiency. Its slender, upright stems rise unassumingly from the forest floor, crowned by a spire of tiny, star-like white flowers. Each flower, though no more than a whisper on the wind, is a masterpiece of design, with five deeply cut petals that seem to twinkle against the backdrop of the gorge’s dappled light. The leaves, broad and heart-shaped, lay a verdant carpet at the base, completing this picturesque plant profile.
Nestled in the cool, moist understory of Treman Gorge, the bishop’s cap finds its ideal habitat. Here, under the canopy of mature deciduous trees, it plays a subtle yet significant role in the ecosystem. The flowers, though not flamboyant, are a crucial nectar source for early spring pollinators, who are drawn to its discreet charm. The plant’s presence also speaks to the health of its woodland habitat—thriving in undisturbed soil, where it forms part of a complex web of flora and fauna.
Discovering Mitella diphylla in its natural setting was a reminder of the layered complexity and interconnectedness of our ecosystems. Each element, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, holds a place in the narrative of the natural world. To encounter such a wildflower is to be gifted a moment of connection with the past and a simple, pure joy in the persistence of nature’s subtle beauties.
Michael Stephen Wills Photography 