Early Saxifrage
(Micranthes virginiensis)
Early Saxifrage (Micranthes virginiensis)
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Allen Browne
Public Domain
Image By:
Allen Browne
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Allen Browne | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Allen Browne | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-03-13T15:49:02-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Micranthes virginiensis, commonly known as Early Saxifrage, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to rocky outcrops, cliffs, and ledges in deciduous woodlands across the Eastern United States and Eastern Canada. It typically reaches up to 30 cm (12 inches) in height. The plant features a basal rosette of toothed leaves and a pubescent stem that rises to bear clusters of small, white flowers in the spring. The hairy stem is an adaptation to deter crawling insects, favoring pollination by flying insects. Early Saxifrage’s flowers are not particularly showy, but they are among the first to bloom in spring, adding subtle beauty to woodland gardens.
Early Saxifrage is valued for its early spring bloom and its ability to grow in challenging conditions, such as rocky or gravelly soils. It is often used in rock gardens, alpine gardens, and naturalized woodland settings. This plant prefers part shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It requires low to medium amounts of water and well-drained soil. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases. Early Saxifrage is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems. It is not typically invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Early Saxifrage is valued for its early spring bloom and its ability to grow in challenging conditions, such as rocky or gravelly soils. It is often used in rock gardens, alpine gardens, and naturalized woodland settings. This plant prefers part shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. It requires low to medium amounts of water and well-drained soil. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases. Early Saxifrage is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems. It is not typically invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.7-1 feet
- Width: 0.3-0.6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Rocky outcrops, cliffs, and ledges in deciduous woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Virginia Saxifrage, Saxifrage De Virginie
Scientific Names: , Saxifraga virginiensis, Micranthes virginiensis, Saxifraga virginica, Saxifraga vernalis, Saxifraga virginiensis var. virginiensis, Saxifraga elongata, Saxifraga virginiensis f. glomerulata, Saxifraga virginiensis f. virginiensis, Saxifraga pilosa
GBIF Accepted Name: Micranthes virginiensis (Michx.) Small