Plant species

alternate-leaved golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium alternifolium

Saxifragaceae

Species information

Description

A low plant with rounded toothed leaves and small yellow-green flowers lacking conspicuous petals. A small spring-flowering herb of wet, shaded stream margins and seepages, recognised by yellow-green bracts around tiny flowers.

Plant traits

Growth form

forb

Life cycle

perennial

Height

5–20 cm

Typical season

123456789101112

Active growth

Flowering

Fruiting

Timing varies with site and year.

Habitat conditions

Habitat

riparian habitats · wetlands · forest

Light

shade · partial shade

Moisture

wet

Soil

indifferent

Substrate

alluvial

Pollination

insect pollination

Status

native

Interesting facts

The greenish-yellow bracts can make the plant look like a bright flower even though the true flowers are tiny and lack showy petals.

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