Saxifraga punctata

Dotted saxifrage, Brook Saxifrage, Heart-leaf Saxifrage, Heartleaf Saxifrage

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Summary

A low-growing perennial reaching only 0.1 m tall with hermaphrodite flowers. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acid to basic pH ranges. Grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil.

Description

A herb that keeps growing from year to year. It grows up to 30 cm tall. The leaves are at the base. They are kidney shaped and almost round with large teeth. The leaves are dark green above and paler underneath. The flowering stalk is hairy and without leaves. The flowers are small and have 5 white or purple petals. They are in a cluster at the top fo the stem.

Edible Uses

Leaves and stalks can be eaten raw or cooked. Native American peoples traditionally ate them with oil. The leaves are a good source of vitamin C and provitamin A and have also been used to make sauerkraut.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are eaten with oil and fish or meat.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a cold temperate plant. It grows in rocky, moist, shady areas in the mountains.

Where It Grows

Alaska, Arctic, Europe, North America, USA,

Cultivation

We have almost no information for this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it is likely to succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers an open soil surrounded by stones and a cool damp position. Grows well in a rock garden.

Propagation

Sow seed in a cold frame in spring. Surface sow or barely cover the seed, keeping the compost consistently moist. Prick seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle and grow on in a greenhouse or cold frame through their first winter. Plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Divide in spring; larger divisions can go straight into permanent positions. Smaller divisions are best potted up and grown on in a lightly shaded cold frame, then planted out once well established in summer.

Other Uses

None known

Production

Leaves are collected before flowering.

Notes

There are about 440 Saxifraga species.

Synonyms

S. nelsoniana. D.Don.

Also Known As

Ahzeeahsak, Ahsaycheek

References (4)

Heller, C. A., 1962, Wild Edible and Poisonous Plants of Alaska. Univ. of Alaska Extension Service. p 31
Jones, A., 2010, Plants that we eat. University of Alaska Press. p 23 (ssp. nelsoniana)
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Porsild, A.E., 1953, Edible Plants of the Arctic, Arctic 6:15-34, page 29