Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage

Chrysosplenium alternifolium

The Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage is a lovely green plant that grows close to the ground. It has shiny leaves and tiny yellow flowers that bloom in spring, making it a cheerful sight in nature.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage is a low-growing plant, typically featuring bright yellow-green leaves and inconspicuous, tiny yellowish-green flowers. Its kidney-shaped leaves are alternately arranged, often with wavy, toothed edges, making it distinctive in damp, shady environments.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSaxifragalesFamilySaxifragaceaeGenusChrysosplenium

Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage

Interesting facts

Its 'flowers' are mostly colorful yellow-green leaves called bracts that trick early insects into visiting!

It’s an early bird, often blooming before trees even grow their leaves in spring!

This plant can grow half-submerged in water, making it a true water-loving champion!

Tiny hairs on its stem are like mini-sponges, helping it capture and drink morning dew!

Special abilities

Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage has roots that can thrive even in waterlogged soil, helping it survive in boggy habitats.

Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage can bloom very early in spring, providing crucial nectar for early emerging insects.

Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage has creeping rhizomes that help it quickly colonize and spread across damp, shady ground.

Measurements & details

Height: 5-20 cm
Spread: 10-30 cm
Flower Size: 0.3-0.5 cm
Bloom Season: Early spring to late spring
Edible: Yes
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Marmalade Hoverfly

Syrphus ribesii

Attracted by its yellow-green bracts for nectar

pollinates

Western Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Visits early spring blooms for pollen and nectar

eats

Black Slug

Arion ater

Slugs and snails sometimes feed on its tender leaves

Traits

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Shade Tolerant

Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.

Spring Blooming

Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.

Medicinal

Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.

Edible

Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.