Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ 7AAEedible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOreviewed 13 Oct 2026methodology → read

Saxifraga pensylvanica

Saxifraga pensylvanica
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Saxifraga pensylvanica (Saxifraga pensylvanica) — botanical photograph
Pl. 7AAE — Saxifraga pensylvanica
Saxifraga pensylvanicaSaxifraga pensylvanicaSaxifraga pensylvanicaSaxifraga pensylvanicaSaxifraga pensylvanicaSaxifraga pensylvanicaSaxifraga pensylvanicaSaxifraga pensylvanicaSaxifraga pensylvanicaSaxifraga pensylvanicaSaxifraga pensylvanicaSaxifraga pensylvanicaSaxifraga pensylvanicaSaxifraga pensylvanica
I

Overview

Saxifraga pensylvanica, commonly known as Pennsylvania saxifrage or small rock-rose, is a perennial herb native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. This plant thrives in moist to wet environments with light to partial sun exposure and can be found growing in various soil types, including sandy, medium, and clay soils. It reaches a height of about 0.5 meters and is known for its edible leaves, which can be consumed raw or cooked. The leaves have a slightly bitter taste and are often used in salads. This hardy plant is native to states such as Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Saskatchewan, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Its adaptability makes it a valuable addition to gardens or natural settings, as it can grow in diverse habitats. While Saxifraga pensylvanica is primarily known for its edible leaves, it also serves an ornamental purpose due to its ability to thrive in various growing conditions. However, caution should be exercised when handling the plant, as some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Quick answers

What is Saxifraga pensylvanica?

Saxifraga pensylvanica, commonly known as Pennsylvania saxifrage or small rock-rose, is a perennial herb native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Saxifraga pensylvanica thrives in partial sun to full sun and prefers moist to wet soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This perennial grows up to 0.5 meters tall and can be propagated through division. It is hardy in temperate regions and native to areas including Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Saskatchewan, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The edible parts are the leaves.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Saxifraga pensylvanica for the first time

8steps

Start with Saxifraga pensylvanica as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A Saxifraga pensylvanica plant or seeds, a small trowel, and some compost.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil. Amend your garden bed with compost if needed.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants from a nursery or sow seeds directly in the ground after preparing the soil.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering, as Saxifraga prefers well-draining conditions.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide partial sun or full shade and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around the plant for moisture retention.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune dead leaves to maintain a neat appearance, but avoid cutting back too much as this can harm the plant.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun, and not providing enough shade are common issues. Avoid using heavy fertilizers that could damage the roots.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Saxifraga pensylvanica are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used in salads for their slightly bitter taste. The plant thrives in moist, wet conditions and partial sun to full shade.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

27 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across0 continents· 27 native
Broader regions
native:Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Rhode I., Saskatchewan, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Saxifraga pensylvanica (Saxifraga pensylvanica) — botanical photograph
Saxifraga pensylvanica (Saxifraga pensylvanica)
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 7aae5c7b-cad7-4d31-93e0-f7d6ce4dbb84
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes