Chrysosplenium americanum
Schwein. ex Hook.
Golden saxifrage
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Summary
Source: WikipediaChrysosplenium americanum, the American golden saxifrage, is a species of golden saxifrage native to eastern North America.
Description
Perennial ground cover reaching 0.1m tall and 0.5m wide, hardy to UK zone 3. Flowers from April to May. Hermaphroditic and self-fertile, pollinated by beetles and flies. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acid to basic pH ranges, including very acidic soils. Tolerates semi-shade to full sun and prefers moist to wet soil.
Edible Uses
The plant is used as a spice in salads.
Traditional Uses
The leaves are used as a spice in salads.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 3-8.
Where It Grows
USA,
Cultivation
Succeeds in most soils if they are moist. Requires a constantly wet but well-drained soil. Prefers acid soils. Prefers a shady position, succeeding in woodland. A clumping mat former. Forming a dense prostrate carpet with a limited spread.
Propagation
Sow seed in spring or autumn in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, standing the pot in 2cm of water. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow them on in a tray of water in the cold frame through at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring is very easy; larger clumps can go directly into permanent positions, though smaller clumps are better potted up and grown on in light shade in a cold frame until rooting well, then planted out in summer or the following spring.
Other Uses
The plant's creeping habit makes it a useful ground cover for the bog garden.
References (1)
- Jackes, D. A., Edible Forest Gardens
