SafePlants

Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium alternifolium)

Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage, also known as Alternate-leaf Golden Saxifrage, is a moisture-loving plant often found in damp habitats.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature:

• Scientific Name: Chrysosplenium alternifolium
• Common Names: Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage, Alternate-leaf Golden Saxifrage
• Family: Saxifrage Family (Saxifragaceae)
• Genus: Chrysosplenium (golden saxifrage or golden-saxifrage) - a genus of 57 species

Distribution and Habitat:

• This plant thrives in damp or wet environments, typically near shady streams and in damp woodlands.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits:

• It is a low-growing perennial, typically between 5 to 20 cm in height.

Interactions with Other Organisms:

• Alternate-leaved Golden-saxifrage (Chrysosplenium alternifolium) serves as a food source for certain moths, including Olindia schumacherana.
• A snail, Cepaea nemoralis, has been provisionally identified as inhabiting areas where Opposite-leaved Golden-Saxifrage, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium grows.

Distinguishing Features:

• This plant is easily confused with Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage. The main difference lies in the leaf arrangement; Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage has leaves that are alternately arranged on the stem, while Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage has leaves that grow in opposite pairs.

Quirky Facts:

• The name Chrysosplenium alternifolium literally means "alternate-leaved," highlighting the key characteristic that distinguishes it from its close relative, Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage.

Further Information:

• Information can be found at the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society).
• Additional facts and photos are available on ARKive.