Saxifraga umbrosa
From Halbeeg, the open encyclopedia · Af-Soomaali
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Saxifraga umbrosa is a small perennial plant belonging to the family Saxifragaceae and the genus Saxifraga. It has rosette-arranged leaves at the base and small white to pale pink flowers borne on long, slender stems.
The species occurs naturally in the mountainous Pyrenees region between Spain and France. In other parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom and Ireland, it appears as a result of cultivation and subsequent escape from gardens; it is therefore naturalized in those areas.
Plant characteristics
The leaves are rigid and glossy, with a spoon or wedge shape and small toothed margins; they form a rosette that lies close to the ground. The flower stem rises above the centre of the rosette, producing many small flowers. Each flower typically has five white petals, sometimes with pink spots. Flowering usually occurs from late spring to summer.
Habitat
The name 'umbrosa' derives from the Latin word meaning 'shaded', referring to the plant's preference for shady locations. It grows on rocky slopes, riverbanks, and damp woodland floors. It is hardy to cold but does not tolerate heat and drought stress well.
Cultivation
It is grown in ornamental gardens, particularly in rock gardens and shaded areas where other plants struggle to thrive. It is propagated by division of rosettes or runners. Many hybrids exist between this species and related Saxifraga species; for this reason, plants sold commercially are sometimes not reliably distinguished by name.