Saxifraga pensylvanica
Saxifraga pensylvanica
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Pl. 7AAE — Saxifraga pensylvanica
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IOverview
Overview
Saxifraga pensylvanica, known as Pennsylvania saxifrage or small rock-rose, is a perennial herb native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. It 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. This plant reaches a height of about 0.5 meters and is known for its edible leaves, which can be consumed raw or cooked. Its native range includes states like Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, and Michigan, as well as parts of Canada such as Manitoba and Ontario. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow in a variety of habitats, making it an adaptable addition to gardens or natural settings.
Quick answers
What is Saxifraga pensylvanica?
Saxifraga pensylvanica, known as Pennsylvania saxifrage or small rock-rose, is a perennial herb native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. It 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.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
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 is hardy in temperate regions. For best results, propagate through division in spring or fall. The edible leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season.
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
What you'll need
A Saxifraga pensylvanica plant or seeds, a small trowel, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with moist, well-draining soil. Amend your garden bed with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from a nursery or sow seeds directly in the ground after preparing the soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering, as Saxifraga prefers well-draining conditions.
- 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
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain a neat appearance, but avoid cutting back too much as this can harm the plant.
- 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.
VIEdible & utility
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
VIIDistribution
27 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
27 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 27 native
Broader regions
native:Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Rhode I., Saskatchewan, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Masachusettes
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 7aae5c7b-cad7-4d31-93e0-f7d6ce4dbb84
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