Plant species

crusted saxifrage Saxifraga crustata

Saxifragaceae

Species information

Description

A saxifrage with leaves in rosettes or on short shoots and small five-petalled flowers rising above them. A limestone saxifrage of rock crevices and screes; the leaf margins commonly carry a white calcium-rich crust.

Plant traits

Growth form

forb

Life cycle

perennial

Height

5–30 cm

Typical season

123456789101112

Active growth

Flowering

Fruiting

Timing varies with site and year.

Habitat conditions

Habitat

rocky habitats · scree · subalpine habitats

Light

full sun · partial shade

Moisture

dry · mesic

Soil

base-rich

Substrate

calcareous

Pollination

insect pollination

Status

native

Interesting facts

The white marginal deposits are calcium carbonate released by specialised hydathodes, not dust from the surrounding rock.

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