Purple Mountain Saxifrage

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SPECIES Forbs Saxifraga oppositifolia

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Purple Mountain Saxifrage

Saxifraga oppositifolia

Common Name(s)

Purple Mountain Saxifrage

Family

Saxifragaceae

Genus

Saxifraga

Full Scientific Name

Saxifraga oppositifolia

Author

Linnaeus

Native Range

Introduced Range

Synonyms

Saxifraga oppositifolia ssp. oppositifolia

Additional Details

Characteristics

Growth Form: Wildflower

Evergreen or Deciduous: Deciduous

Light Requirements: Partial Shade

Soil Texture: Sand, Loam

Moisture Requirements: Dry, Moist

Drought Tolerant: Yes

Compaction Tolerant: No

Salt Tolerant: No

Juglone (Walnut) Tolerant: No

Habitat Considerations

Ecozone(s): Northern Arctic, Southern Arctic, Taiga Plains, Taiga Shield, Boreal Shield, Atlantic Maritime, Taiga Cordillera, Boreal Cordillera, Hudson Plains

Natural Habitat(s): Riparian, Bog/Fen, Salt Water Shorelines, Alvar, Alpine, Rocky Bluff, Lakeshores, Tundra

Design Considerations

Minimum Height: 2 cm

Maximum Height: 5 cm

Bloom Time: May - Aug

Flower Colour(s): Red|Purple|Pink

Showy Flowers: Yes

Showy Fruit/Seeds: Yes

Fruit/Seed Colour(s): Red|Brown

Erosion Control:

Fragrant Flowers:

Fragrant Foliage:

Fall Colour(s): Yes

Bark:

Poisonous to Humans:

Thorns or Prickles:

Invasive Species: No

Conservation Status

Plant Watch Species: Yes

NatureServe Level:

IUCN Red Alert Status:

Interesting Tidbits

Interesting Tidbits: This species may be found at altitudes from sealevel to 4,000 metres. (Flora of North America) In the Arctic, this plant will also grow in moss or peat environments. It has a tendency to become a subshrub cushiony plant as the branches become woody over the years. The leaves are leathery and succulent. This species is usually indicative of harsh environments where there is little competition from other species. The Inuit name is ""aupilattunnguat"". Etymologically it means 'resembling something red'. The flowers which have a pleasant taste, are often eaten in large quantities when they appear early in the growing season. TOO many of the flowers when eaten at once can induce diarrhoea. The flowers are good eaten with blubber (Oootoova.et al 2001). The leaves can be used as tea.

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Purple Mountain Saxifrage

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