Plant DetailShow Menu

Micranthes virginiensis

Previously known as:

  • Saxifraga virginiensis
Phonetic Spelling
my-KRAN-thes vir-jin-ee-EN-sis
Description

Early Saxifrage is a native, perennial, wildflower in the saxifragaceae family that is typically found in dry woods and rocky fields. It is native to central and eastern Canada south to eastern and central United States. In North Carolina, it is a common sight in the Piedmont and western mountains; however, it is rarely found on the coastal plains. The genus and common names come from saxum, meaning a rock, and frangere, meaning to break.

Early Saxifrage leaves grow only at the base of the plant (basal leaves). In Spring, a branched cluster of 2 inch fragrant white flowers sit atop the 12 inch tall hairy, sticky stems.  Unlike some plants, each petal of this showy flower is separate, not fused together.  

Early Saxifrage does best in dry to moist soil in partial shade.

In the wild, it can be found growing as a solitary plant, or in clumps on rocky hillsides, cliffs, stream banks, and wooded slopes. Gardeners will typically grow it in a shaded rock garden or similar site.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: 

No serious plant problems.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#white flowers#native perennial#spring flowers#NC native#herbaceous perennial#rock garden#native wildflower#rocky soils tolerant#shade tolerant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#white flowers#native perennial#spring flowers#NC native#herbaceous perennial#rock garden#native wildflower#rocky soils tolerant#shade tolerant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Micranthes
    Species:
    virginiensis
    Family:
    Saxifragaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Central and eastern Canada to central and eastern United States.
    Distribution:
    AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA RI, SC, TN, VA, VT, WY
    Edibility:
    The young early spring leaves can be eaten in salads.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Native Plant
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Ascending
    Clumping
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Shallow Rocky
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    The green to purple fruit contains many tiny seeds. The fruit is dry and splits open when ripe.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Radial
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Five petaled white flowers with 10 bright yellow stamens blossom from April to June. Sticky flower stalk.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Rough
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Crenate
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The basal, veined leaves are a rosette of 1 to 3 inches, broadly toothed, oval, and hairy around the edges. Often maroon underside.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Round
    Stem Description:
    Sticky, densely hairy stems are 4 inches tall at first flowering, elongating up to 12 inches.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Rock Wall
    Slope/Bank
    Landscape Theme:
    Native Garden
    Rock Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Small groups
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Dry Soil