Golden Saxifrage
Chrysosplenium oppositifolium
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Pl. FDA8 — Chrysosplenium oppositifolium
Chrysosplenium oppositifoliumChrysosplenium oppositifoliumChrysosplenium oppositifoliumChrysosplenium oppositifoliumChrysosplenium oppositifoliumChrysosplenium oppositifoliumChrysosplenium oppositifoliumChrysosplenium oppositifoliumChrysosplenium oppositifoliumChrysosplenium oppositifoliumChrysosplenium oppositifoliumChrysosplenium oppositifoliumChrysosplenium oppositifoliumChrysosplenium oppositifolium
IOverview
Overview
Golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium oppositifolium) is a perennial plant native to several European countries including Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, and others. This plant thrives in moist to wet environments with light, medium, or heavy soil types, making it adaptable but preferring slightly alkaline conditions (pH 7–7.5). Known for its edible leaves, Golden Saxifrage is both ornamental and useful as a food source. Its distinctive feature lies in its small stature, reaching only about 0.2 meters in height, with light green foliage that adds a touch of color to damp gardens or natural settings.
Quick answers
What is Golden Saxifrage?
Golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium oppositifolium) is a perennial plant native to several European countries including Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, and others.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Golden Saxifrage thrives in moist to wet conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7-7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from USDA zones 4-8. This perennial requires partial shade to full sun, with moderate light exposure. For cultivation, keep the soil consistently moist and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Propagate via division or seed sowing in spring or fall. Harvest edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
4/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Golden Saxifrage for the first time
8steps
Start with Golden Saxifrage as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Golden Saxifrage plants or seeds, potting soil, containers if planting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Golden Saxifrage in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5, ensuring it's moist but not waterlogged.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from the nursery or sow seeds directly in the garden after danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist, avoiding overwatering which can lead to root rot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial shade and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the plants for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves in early spring to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to provide partial shade.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of the Golden Saxifrage are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are typically prepared fresh in salads for their mild flavor. Skip the drying process as it may alter the taste and texture.
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 16 native
Europe14 regions
native (14)BelgiumDenmarkFranceGermanyIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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