Tufted Alpine Saxifrage
Saxifraga caespitosa
- Native to:
- Aleutian Is., Canada, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Labrador, Norway, Russia, Svalbard, Sweden, United States
Walter Siegmund (talk)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Saxifragaceae
- Genus:
- Saxifraga
- Species:
- Saxifraga caespitosa
- USDA Symbol:
- SACA50
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 15 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in alpine and arctic regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover. Cool temperatures (50-65°F) improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: S. caespitosa is a circumpolar species found south through North America in Washington, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and northern Michigan.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. * keep all seed pots x 2 years