tufted saxifrage
ExplorePlants
tufted saxifrage
Saxifraga cespitosa
Tufted saxifrage is a small, pretty plant that grows in clumps. It has bright green leaves and lovely white flowers that bloom in the spring, making it a cheerful sight in nature!
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The tufted saxifrage is a small plant forming dense, cushion-like mats of tiny, deeply lobed leaves, often tinged with red. It produces delicate white to creamy-yellow flowers, sometimes with a pink blush, atop slender stems. Its compact, moss-like appearance helps it stand out in harsh environments.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSaxifragalesFamilySaxifragaceaeGenusSaxifraga
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Each little plant is like a natural cushion, providing tiny homes for even smaller bugs!
It's a true arctic explorer, one of the few flowering plants to thrive near the North Pole!
Its delicate white flowers often have five petals, like tiny sparkling stars scattered across rugged mountains!
The name 'saxifrage' literally means 'rock-breaker' because these tiny plants can split rocks apart over time!
Special abilities
Ability
Extreme Insulator
Tufted saxifrage has dense cushion growth that traps warmth and moisture, protecting it from fierce arctic winds and freezing temperatures.
Ability
Rock Gripper
Tufted saxifrage has specialized roots that can powerfully grip and grow within tiny rock cracks, anchoring it securely on mountain slopes.
Ability
Alpine Survivor
Tufted saxifrage can perform photosynthesis and even bloom in incredibly cold conditions, allowing it to thrive where other plants cannot.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-15 cm
- Spread
- 10-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Arctic Bumblebee
Bombus hyperboreus
Gathers nectar and pollen from its small white flowers.
eats
Tundra Vole
Microtus oeconomus
Graze on the leaves and shoots during the growing season.
symbiotic with
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus
Glomus intraradices
Helps absorb nutrients from poor, rocky soils.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Cluster Flower
Cluster flowers are inflorescences where individual flowers are arranged closely together on a common stem.
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
Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is tufted saxifrage?
5-15 cm
How wide does tufted saxifrage spread?
10-30 cm
How big are the flowers on tufted saxifrage?
0.5-1 cm
When does tufted saxifrage bloom?
Late spring to summer
Is tufted saxifrage edible?
No
Is tufted saxifrage toxic?
None
What is tufted saxifrage's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is tufted saxifrage pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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