Micranthes nivalis, commonly known as snow saxifrage, is a perennial herb native to alpine and arctic regions, including the mountainous areas of Britain such as Scotland’s Quiraing and Ben Lawers, as well as Norway, Ireland, Svalbard, northern Germany, Poland, Russia, Canada, Alaska, and Greenland and Iceland. It is typically found in damp, shady, base-rich environments such as rocky outcrops, cliffs, and crevices, where it can withstand the cold and harsh conditions of high altitudes. Snow saxifrage reaches up to 8 inches in height and features greenish-white flowers that may turn reddish as they mature. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and are moderately showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The foliage consists of leathery, greyish-green rhomboidal leaves that form a basal rosette, providing ground cover and visual interest even when the plant is not in flower. In cultivation, snow saxifrage is valued for its ability to thrive in rock gardens, alpine houses, and other settings that mimic its native rocky habitats. It requires well-drained, gritty soil and prefers partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Due to its compact size and attractive foliage, it is often used as an ornamental plant in garden borders and as ground cover in shaded areas. While it is generally low-maintenance, it may suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Snow saxifrage is not known to be invasive and does not typically present significant problems with pests or diseases.CC BY-SA 4.0