Saxifraga cespitosa, commonly known as Tufted Alpine Saxifrage or Tufted Saxifrage, is a perennial herb that thrives in the harsh conditions of arctic and alpine regions. Its native habitat includes rocky outcrops, tundra, and gravelly soils in areas such as the Alps, Norway, Scotland, Wales, Iceland, Siberia, and western North America. This plant is well-adapted to cold climates and high altitudes, often found in crevices and well-drained slopes.

Tufted Alpine Saxifrage forms dense, low-growing mats from a stout taproot, with short stems and small, lobed, evergreen leaves that provide year-round interest. In late spring to early summer, it produces flowering stems that are 2-4 inches tall, with showy white flowers that have petals twice the length of the calyx lobes, attracting pollinators. Its compact growth habit and tolerance of poor soils make it suitable for rock gardens, alpine houses, and as ground cover in suitable climates. It requires minimal maintenance, preferring full sun to partial shade and well-drained, gritty soil. While generally disease-free, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Tufted Alpine Saxifrage is also valued for its ecological role in its native habitat, providing nectar for pollinators in environments where few plants can survive.CC BY-SA 4.0