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Description
Chrysosplenium Tetrandrum, also known as Golden Saxifrage, is a perennial plant that belongs to the saxifrage family. It is native to Europe and can be found in moist, shady places like stream banks, wet meadows, and woods. The plant produces small yellow flowers that bloom in early spring and are carried on stems that are about 2-4 inches tall. The leaves are rounded and scalloped, and they grow in a rosette formation at the base of the stem.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Saxifragaceae |
| Genus | Chrysosplenium |
Appearance
The Golden Saxifrage is a small plant that grows to a height of 2-4 inches. It has a rosette of rounded and scalloped leaves that are about 1 inch in diameter. The leaves are bright green and have a slightly glossy appearance. The plant produces small yellow flowers that are about 1/8 inch in diameter. The flowers grow on stems that are about 2-4 inches tall and have four petals. The plant blooms in early spring and is a great addition to a shady garden.
Care Guide
Golden Saxifrage is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It prefers moist, shady conditions and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. Here are some care tips to keep your plant healthy and thriving:
Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often if the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization: Golden Saxifrage does not require fertilization. However, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring to give the plant a boost.
Soil: The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils.
Sunlight: Golden Saxifrage prefers shade or partial shade. It can tolerate some sun exposure, but too much sun can damage the leaves and flowers.
Hardiness Zones: Golden Saxifrage is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Golden Saxifrage is not prone to pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by slugs and snails, which can damage the leaves and flowers. To prevent slug and snail damage, you can use a slug bait or set up a beer trap to attract and drown them.
Habitat
Golden Saxifrage is native to Europe and can be found in moist, shady places like stream banks, wet meadows, and woods. It prefers cool and moist conditions and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. The plant is often used as a ground cover in shady gardens and can be grown in containers as well.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Golden Saxifrage be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Golden Saxifrage can be grown indoors as long as it is kept in a cool and moist environment. It prefers shade or partial shade, so it is best to place it near a window with filtered light.
Q: How often should I water Golden Saxifrage?
A: You should water Golden Saxifrage deeply once a week, or more often if the soil is dry to the touch. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Does Golden Saxifrage attract bees?
A: Yes, Golden Saxifrage produces small yellow flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
Q: Can Golden Saxifrage be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Golden Saxifrage can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in early spring or late summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that are similar to Golden Saxifrage:
- Chrysosplenium alternifolium
- Chrysosplenium carnosum
- Chrysosplenium macrophyllum
- Chrysosplenium davidianum
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Chrysosplenium tetrandrum. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277656&isprofile=0&basic=golden%20saxifrage
- Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Chrysosplenium tetrandrum. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/9406/Chrysosplenium-tetrandrum/Details
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. (n.d.). Chrysosplenium tetrandrum. Retrieved from https://uwarboretum.org/plant/chrysosplenium-tetrandrum/
