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northern golden saxifrage

Scientific Name: Chrysosplenium tetrandrum

Family: Saxifragaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: WA (northern golden-carpet)

       

Chrysosplenium (Golden Saxifrage)

Chrysosplenium, commonly known as golden saxifrage or golden-saxifrage, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). The name may sometimes be hyphenated as Golden-saxifrage.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant can spread and forms carpets in wooded or wet environments.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Chrysosplenium L.
  • Family: Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage family)
  • Species: Examples include Chrysosplenium tetrandrum Th. Fr. and Chrysosplenium oppositifolium L.
  • Subspecies: Some classifications include subspecies, such as Chrysosplenium alternifolium Linnaeus subsp. tetrandrum (Th. Fries) Hultn.
  • Synonyms/Alternative Names: The text refers to variations like "golden-saxifrage" (hyphenated) and mentions historical taxonomic treatments.

Common Names

  • Golden Saxifrage
  • Northern Golden Saxifrage
  • Northern Golden Carpet
  • Iowa Golden-saxifrage
  • Wright's Golden Saxifrage
  • Alternate-leaf Golden Saxifrage
  • Water Mat

Distribution and Habitat

Chrysosplenium species are found throughout the arctic and northern temperate regions. They often inhabit damp woodlands, shady stream banks, boggy ground, and wet areas in woods. Some species, like Chrysosplenium tetrandrum, are associated with colder, more northern climates. Midwestern populations are considered relicts in some cases.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage is a spreading, low-growing perennial plant.
  • Chrysosplenium tetrandrum is a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
  • Chrysosplenium alternifolium Linnaeus subsp. tetrandrum has white stolons measuring 0.3-1 mm in diameter.

Ecology and Interactions

  • These plants are found in areas dominated by northern golden-saxifrage, far-northern buttercup, and aquatic mosses and are sometimes associated with tamarack-scrub birch-willow environments.

Further Information

  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
  • Discover Life
  • Flora of Northern Ireland
  • California Academy of Sciences