Pepper Saxifrage
Silaum silaus
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Pl. DC56 — Silaum silaus
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IOverview
Overview
Pepper Saxifrage (Silaum silaus) is a perennial plant native to Central and Eastern Europe, as well as parts of Asia. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. Known for its edible leaves, this plant can reach heights of up to 1 meter. Its range extends across countries such as Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and many others, highlighting its widespread natural distribution. One distinctive feature is its light requirement, which is considered moderate, allowing it to grow in both partially shaded and sunny areas.
Quick answers
What is Pepper Saxifrage?
Pepper Saxifrage (Silaum silaus) is a perennial plant native to Central and Eastern Europe, as well as parts of Asia. It thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. Known for its edible leaves, this plant can reach heights of up to 1 meter.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pepper Saxifrage thrives in moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7 to 7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions and can grow up to 1 meter tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. This perennial plant is best propagated by division in early spring. The edible parts are its leaves, which can be harvested throughout the growing season. Provide it with full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Pepper Saxifrage for the first time
8steps
Pepper Saxifrage is a hardy perennial that's easy to grow for beginners, making it an excellent choice for your first garden plant.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot or planting area in the ground, seeds or young plants, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Pepper Saxifrage in early spring after the last frost or in late summer for a fall harvest.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your soil is well-draining with a pH between 7 and 7.5, and prepare containers with a mix of light sandy, medium, or clay soil.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors about 6 weeks before planting outside. Transplant young plants into prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and protect from extreme weather conditions.
- 6
Ongoing care
Pepper Saxifrage prefers partial shade with moist soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry and mulch around the plant for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead leaves to maintain a neat appearance, but avoid cutting back too much as it may affect growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, and not providing enough nutrients are common pitfalls for beginners.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Pepper Saxifrage are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, they are used fresh in salads or prepared as a potherb. Skip the detailed preparation methods since specific cooking techniques were not provided.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
29 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
29 native · 1 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 29 native· 1 introduced
Europe18 regions
native (18)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaFranceGermanyHungaryItalyNetherlandsPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (1)Kazakhstan
introduced (1)China
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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