Alternate-Leaf Golden Saxifrage

(Chrysosplenium alternifolium)

Alternate-Leaf Golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium alternifolium)

Ole Husby

CC BY-SA 2.0

Image By: Ole Husby

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Ole Husby | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Ole Husby | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Chrysosplenium alternifolium, commonly known as Alternate-Leaf Golden Saxifrage, is a deciduous perennial herb native to damp, shady woodland floors and stream banks across Europe and Siberia. It belongs to the Saxifragaceae family and is characterized by its low-growing, mat-forming habit, reaching a height of 5 to 15 cm (2 to 6 in). The plant features rosettes of round, alternately arranged leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers. The flowers, which bloom from April to June, are surrounded by yellowish-green bracts and have downturned yellowish-green sepals but no petals, creating a subtle but attractive display.

Alternate-Leaf Golden Saxifrage thrives in moist, shaded conditions, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add ground cover in wet or boggy areas. It is also suitable for planting along pond edges or in rain gardens. The plant’s preference for cool, damp environments means it requires consistently moist soil and protection from direct sunlight. It is relatively low maintenance, but gardeners should ensure that the soil does not dry out. While it is not prone to serious pests or diseases, it can suffer in overly dry or sunny locations.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 0.2-0.5 feet
Width: 1-3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Yellow
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
Water: Medium, High
Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Damp, shady woodland floors and stream banks across Europe and Siberia

Other Names

Common Names: Almindelig Milturt, Kevätlinnunsilmä, Dorine À Feuilles Alternes, Maigull, Verspreidbladig Goudveil, Gullpudra, Wechselblättriges Milzkraut

Scientific Names: , Chrysosplenium alternifolium, Chrysosplenium rotundifolium, Chrysosplenium alternifolium var. cuneatum, Chrysosplenium alternifolium var. laxa, Chrysosplenium alternifolium var. maximum, Chrysosplenium alternifolium var. minimum, Chrysosplenium alternifolium var. obliqua, Chrysosplenium alternifolium var. stricta, Chrysosplenium alternifolium var. virescens

GBIF Accepted Name: Chrysosplenium alternifolium L.