# Androsace septentrionalis

The Northern Rock Jasmine is a small, lovely flower that grows in rocky places. It has bright yellow flowers that bloom in spring and can be found in cool, mountain areas.

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Snaps:** 2
- **Habitat:** Mountain regions

![Androsace septentrionalis](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Androsace_septentrionalis_ssp_subumbellata_1.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Androsace_septentrionalis_ssp_subumbellata_1.jpg)

## Appearance

The Androsace septentrionalis has a small rosette of narrow, lance-shaped leaves at its base. Delicate white or pinkish-purple flowers, each with a bright yellow center, rise on slender stems, often clustered. Its tiny size makes it visually distinct in harsh environments.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Ericales
- **Family:** Primulaceae
- **Genus:** Androsace

## Interesting facts

- It's sometimes called 'Northern Rock Jasmine' because its tiny flowers resemble miniature jasmine blooms.
- Its scientific name means 'rock-jasmine from the north', perfectly describing its preferred cool, rocky homes.
- The delicate flowers have a bright yellow eye that acts like a landing strip for tiny insect pollinators!
- This tiny plant can often be found growing above the tree line where few other plants dare to live!

## Special abilities

- **Rapid Lifecycle:** Androsace septentrionalis can complete its entire life cycle quickly, allowing it to thrive in short growing seasons.
- **Alpine Resilience:** Androsace septentrionalis has a hardy nature that helps it survive harsh conditions like cold, wind, and rocky soils.
- **Self-Pollination Backup:** Androsace septentrionalis can self-pollinate which helps it reproduce even when insect visitors are scarce in remote habitats.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 5-20 cm
- **Spread:** 3-10 cm
- **Flower Size:** 0.3-0.8 cm
- **Bloom Season:** Late Spring to Early Summer
- **Edible:** No
- **Toxicity:** None
- **Lifecycle:** Annual
- **Pollination Method:** Insect

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** Honey Bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Gathers nectar and pollen from its small flowers.
- **Pollinates:** Common Eastern Bumblebee (*Bombus impatiens*) — Visits blooms for nectar and aids in pollination.
- **Eaten by:** Meadow Vole (*Microtus pennsylvanicus*) — May occasionally consume its leaves and stems.

## Traits

- [Ornamental](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ornamental): Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
- [Spring Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spring-blooming): Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
- [Cold Hardy](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/cold-hardy): Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage.
- [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
- [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.

## Collections

- [Flowers](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/flowers)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch wild flowers to help them grow.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Androsace septentrionalis?

Count the petals where you can, then compare the flower's center, its symmetry, how the blooms are grouped and the leaves below. Color varies between garden varieties and shifts with the light. Flower Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Androsace septentrionalis?

5-20 cm

### How wide does Androsace septentrionalis spread?

3-10 cm

### How big are the flowers on Androsace septentrionalis?

0.3-0.8 cm

### When does Androsace septentrionalis bloom?

Late Spring to Early Summer

### Is Androsace septentrionalis edible?

No

### Is Androsace septentrionalis toxic?

None

### What is Androsace septentrionalis's lifecycle?

Annual

## Where to spot

- [Holzwarth Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/holzwarth-historic-district) — Colorado, US · Historic District
- [Mount McKinley National Park Headquarters District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mount-mckinley-national-park-headquarters-district) — Alaska, US · National Park

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Androsace septentrionalis: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/androsace-septentrionalis)