Piggyback Plant
Tolmiea menziesii
Saxifragaceae · perennial · native
Last updated
This profile synthesizes data from multiple published sources. Expert field review is in progress.
Piggyback plant is a native perennial of the Pacific Coast reaching 2 ft with a spreading growth form. It produces inconspicuous brown and green flowers and has characteristic young plantlets that form on the upper surface of mature leaves.
Piggyback plant is hardy in zones 7a-9b and requires full shade with moist soil and moderate moisture. It is low-maintenance and makes an excellent groundcover for shaded, moist areas. It tolerates some drought stress once established and spreads via the plantlets that readily root in soil.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 23, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1434.4 to 1592.7 GDD₃₂. Piggyback Plant has passed 'flower buds visible' (1276 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 23, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,593 | 'Flower buds visible' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 1,554 | 'Flower buds visible' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,537 | 'Flower buds visible' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,505 | 'Flower buds visible' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,483 | 'Flower buds visible' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,472 | 'Flower buds visible' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,434 | 'Flower buds visible' | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' NOW | 1276 | '' |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? GDD₃₂ thresholds from USA National Phenology Network citizen science observations (WA+OR). Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 23, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 9, 2026, then climate normals.