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American golden saxifrage

Scientific Name: Chrysosplenium americanum

Family: Saxifragaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: IN (American golden-saxifrage), KY (American golde

       

American Golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium americanum)

The American Golden Saxifrage, also known as Water Carpet or Golden Saxifrage, is a charming, low-growing plant found in wetlands and seeps. Its delicate appearance belies its hardiness, thriving in cool, moist environments.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a small, mat-forming species.
  • It has creeping stems that root at the nodes.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is a small, mat-forming species.
  • It has creeping stems that root at the nodes.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chrysosplenium americanum Schwein. ex Hook.
  • Family: Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage family)
  • Genus: Chrysosplenium L.
  • Common Names: American Golden Saxifrage, Golden Saxifrage, Water Carpet, American Golden-saxifrage, Iowa golden carpet, Iowa golden saxifrage
  • Synonyms: None explicitly stated, but variations in spelling and hyphenation are noted in the provided text (e.g., Golden-saxifrage).

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to North America.
  • Specifically mentioned locations include Minnesota, Ontario, Caroline Co., Maryland, Killens Pond State Park, New Jersey, and Vermont.
  • Found in wetlands and seeps, indicating a preference for moist habitats.
  • Two Chrysosplenium species are found disjunctly in South America.

Morphological Characteristics

  • A small, mat-forming perennial plant.
  • Reaches a height of approximately 0.1 meters (4 inches) and can spread up to 0.5 meters (1 foot 8 inches).
  • Has creeping stems that root at the nodes.
  • Flowers are small (1/8 inch) with 4 green to yellowish petal-like sepals and 4 to 8 purple to orange structures.

Additional Information

  • The plant is hardy to zone (UK) 3.
  • It typically flowers from April to May.
  • The Midwestern populations are thought to be relicts.
  • Chrysosplenium is a genus containing 57 species, with diversity centered in eastern Asia.

Resources and Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.
  • BONAP data.
  • Discover Life.
  • Vermont Flora Codes.
  • ARKive (mentioned in relation to Opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage).