Five-Fingered Saxifrage
(Saxifraga pentadactylis)
Five-Fingered Saxifrage (Saxifraga pentadactylis)
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Hedwig Storch
CC BY-SA 3.0
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Hedwig Storch
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CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo by: Hedwig Storch | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Hedwig Storch | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons



Estimated Native Range
Summary
Saxifraga pentadactylis, commonly known as Five-Fingered Saxifrage, is a perennial herb that is native to alpine and subalpine zones in Europe, often found in rocky crevices and slopes, particularly on calcareous substrates. It typically grows slowly to a height and width of 0.3-0.6 feet (0.09-0.2 meters). The plant forms a low, cushion-like mound with slender stems and finger-like leaves, hence the name "Five-Fingered." Saxifraga pentadactylis produces clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers with yellow centers that are quite showy and bloom in the spring, adding a delicate charm to rock gardens and alpine collections.
This species is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to thrive in challenging garden conditions, such as rockeries or gravel gardens. It is often used in crevice plantings, alpine troughs, and as an edging plant due to its compact growth habit. Five-Fingered Saxifrage requires well-drained soils, such as clay or loam with sharp drainage, and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. While it prefers consistent moisture, it is important to avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
This species is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to thrive in challenging garden conditions, such as rockeries or gravel gardens. It is often used in crevice plantings, alpine troughs, and as an edging plant due to its compact growth habit. Five-Fingered Saxifrage requires well-drained soils, such as clay or loam with sharp drainage, and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. While it prefers consistent moisture, it is important to avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.3-0.6 feet
- Width: 0.3-0.6 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Border Plant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to alpine and subalpine zones in Europe, particularly on calcareous substrates
Other Names
Common Names: Five-Fingered Saxifrage
Scientific Names: , Saxifraga pentadactylis, Saxifraga caespitosa, Saxifraga groenlandica subsp. pentadactylis, Saxifraga obtusifida, Saxifraga sudrei,
GBIF Accepted Name: