Early Saxifrage Micranthes virginiensis
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Saxifraga virginiensis
- Phonetic Spelling
- my-KRAN-thes vir-jin-ee-EN-sis
- Description
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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:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Wildflower
- Habit/Form:
- Ascending
- Clumping
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Coarse
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Rock Wall
- Slope/Bank
- Landscape Theme:
- Native Garden
- Rock Garden
- Shade Garden
- Design Feature:
- Small groups
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Dry Soil
