Wood saxifrage
Saxifraga mertensiana
Family: Saxifragaceae
What it is like
Saxifraga mertensiana is a PERENNIAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 0
Where it is found
Lowland to montane areas, chiefly on wet banks and along gravelly streams.
Western N. America - Alaska to California.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - raw or cooked. They are best eaten before the plant flowers.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
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. Grows well in a rock garden.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame in the spring. Surface sow, or only just cover the seed, and make sure that the compost does not dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist, wet