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Rustyhair Saxifrage

Micranthes rufidula

The Rustyhair Saxifrage is a small plant with fuzzy leaves that look a bit rusty! It grows in rocky places and can be found in the wild, adding beauty to nature with its tiny flowers.

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Rustyhair Saxifrage is a small plant with a rosette of basal leaves, often tinged reddish or purplish. Its distinctive rusty-brown hairs cover the leaves and stems. Delicate white or cream-colored flowers bloom on slender stalks, often with yellow or orange spots.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSaxifragalesFamilySaxifragaceaeGenusMicranthes
Rustyhair Saxifrage
furry trait badgeflowering trait badgespring_blooming trait badgecold_hardy trait badge
Rustyhair Saxifrage

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Even though it's small, it plays a big role in rocky mountain ecosystems!

Its tiny flowers have special nectar guides, like landing strips, for insects!

Some people call its fluffy leaves 'moss saxifrage' because they look so soft!

This tough plant can grow high up in the mountains, sometimes above the tree line!

Special abilities

Ability

Fuzzy Fortress

Rustyhair Saxifrage has dense rusty hairs on its leaves that act like a protective fuzzy blanket, helping it conserve precious water in dry, windy places.

Ability

Rock Gripper

This plant can grow in tiny crevices of rocks, anchoring itself firmly where few other plants can survive by having strong, adaptable roots.

Ability

Alpine Survivor

The Rustyhair Saxifrage forms a compact rosette close to the ground, protecting its delicate growth from harsh alpine winds and cold temperatures.

Measurements & details

Height
5-20 cm
Spread
5-15 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to early summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Black-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus melanopygus

Carries pollen between flowers.

eaten by

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus

Occasionally browses on its leaves.

eaten by

American Pika

Ochotona princeps

Harvests parts for winter food caches.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch wild plants unless a grown-up says it's okay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Rustyhair Saxifrage?

5-20 cm

How wide does Rustyhair Saxifrage spread?

5-15 cm

How big are the flowers on Rustyhair Saxifrage?

0.5-1 cm

When does Rustyhair Saxifrage bloom?

Spring to early summer

Is Rustyhair Saxifrage edible?

No

Is Rustyhair Saxifrage toxic?

None

What is Rustyhair Saxifrage's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Rustyhair Saxifrage pollinated?

Insect

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Where to spot

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