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Description
Chrysosplenium Japonicum, also known as Japanese golden saxifrage, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Saxifragaceae family. It is native to China, Japan, Korea, and Russia. This plant produces small yellow-green flowers and has round, heart-shaped leaves that grow in clusters at the end of slender stems. The leaves have a glossy texture and can grow up to 3 inches in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus | Chrysosplenium |
Appearance
Chrysosplenium Japonicum typically grows to a height of 4-6 inches and spreads up to 12 inches. Its leaves are round and heart-shaped, with a glossy texture and a bright green color. The leaves grow in clusters at the end of slender stems, and can grow up to 3 inches in diameter. The plant produces small yellow-green flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months. The flowers grow in clusters on long stems above the leaves, and are about 1/8 inch in diameter.
Care Guide
Chrysosplenium Japonicum is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. It can tolerate some sunlight, but too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. The plant does not require fertilizer, but you can feed it with a general-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Chrysosplenium Japonicum is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Chrysosplenium Japonicum is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to slugs and snails, which can damage its leaves. To prevent slug and snail damage, you can handpick them or use a slug bait. The plant can also be affected by powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
Chrysosplenium Japonicum is native to China, Japan, Korea, and Russia. It grows in moist, shady areas such as forest floors, stream banks, and wetlands. It can also be found in rock crevices and on mossy rocks. In its natural habitat, it provides food and habitat for small insects and animals.
Questions and Answers
Q: Can Chrysosplenium Japonicum tolerate full sun?
A: Chrysosplenium Japonicum prefers partial to full shade, and can tolerate some sunlight. However, too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves.
Q: Does Chrysosplenium Japonicum require fertilizer?
A: Chrysosplenium Japonicum does not require fertilizer, but you can feed it with a general-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: How do I prevent powdery mildew on Chrysosplenium Japonicum?
A: To prevent powdery mildew, keep the plant in a well-ventilated area and avoid overhead watering.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for Chrysosplenium Japonicum?
A: Chrysosplenium Japonicum is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Related Plants
- Chrysosplenium americanum (American golden saxifrage)
- Chrysosplenium carnosum (Himalayan golden saxifrage)
- Chrysosplenium oppositifolium (Opposite-leaved golden saxifrage)
- Chrysosplenium tetrandrum (Four-stamen golden saxifrage)
References
- “Chrysosplenium japonicum,” Missouri Botanical Garden, accessed August 3, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c925
- “Chrysosplenium japonicum,” Plant Information Online, accessed August 3, 2021, https://plantinfo.umn.edu/node/1429530
- “Chrysosplenium japonicum,” Royal Horticultural Society, accessed August 3, 2021, https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/12544/i-Chrysosplenium-japonicum-i/Details
