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Chrysosplenium spp.
golden saxifrage
Northern Hemisphere cool temperate and boreal regions
Overview
Chrysosplenium spp. is a genus of about fifty-seven low, creeping perennials in the saxifrage family, Saxifragaceae, found in cool temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with a few species in southern South America. Known as golden saxifrages, plants form low mats or carpets 1-6 inches (2.5-15 cm) tall by creeping stems and runners, with small, rounded to kidney-shaped, often fleshy leaves. The tiny flowers lack petals; instead, the flower clusters are surrounded by flattened leaf-like bracts that turn yellow-green or golden in spring, creating the visible color. Most species grow in wet, shaded ground, beside streams and springs, in seepages, and on damp rocks, and spread to form ground-covering colonies in constantly moist soil. C. davidianum and C. macrophyllum are grown as shade groundcovers, the latter with larger leaves and pinkish young growth. One limitation is the genus's strict need for moisture and shade: plants shrivel quickly in dry soil or sun and are unsuited to ordinary borders. Hardiness varies widely, with many species hardy in zones 4-8.
Native Range
Chrysosplenium spp. occurs across the cool temperate and boreal Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia, where Asia holds the greatest number of species, with a few in southern South America. Plants grow in wet, shaded habitats such as streamsides, springs, seepages, and damp woodland.Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover along streams and pond margins, in bog gardens, and in shaded, constantly moist beds. Combines with ferns, Primula spp., and other moisture-loving shade plants. Suited to damp, difficult shade where drier groundcovers struggle.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 6"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, roughly March to May, when the yellow-green to golden bracts color the low mats. The petalless flowers themselves are tiny, so the bracts carry the display over several weeks. Color fades as the bracts age and the foliage takes over for summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow-green to golden bractsFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Chrysosplenium spp. in part to full shade in constantly moist to wet, humus-rich soil; the genus suits bog gardens, stream edges, and shaded seepages. Steady moisture is essential, as plants collapse in dry soil or direct sun. The creeping stems root as they spread, forming a groundcover that can be divided in spring or autumn. An organic mulch keeps the roots cool and damp. The genus needs little feeding. Plants tolerate deep shade where many groundcovers fail.Pruning
No routine pruning is needed. Spent flowering growth and any tired foliage can be trimmed to keep the mat fresh. Overgrown patches can be lifted and divided to renew the colony or expand a planting.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons