Family: Saxifragaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 398 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Saxifraga
Vegetable: False
Observations: N. Europe, Pyrenees, Alps
Description
The Pyramidal saxifrage, scientifically known as Saxifraga cotyledon, is a fascinating and resilient plant belonging to the Saxifragaceae family. First described in detail in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” this captivating species has since garnered significant admiration for its unique botanical characteristics and its notable adaptability to rugged environments.
Geographically, the Pyramidal saxifrage enjoys a diverse range, flourishing predominantly in the cooler climes of Northern Europe. Its presence is also notable amidst the rocky terrains of the Pyrenees and the majestic Alps, where it often finds a niche in the challenging conditions of high altitudes and shaded crevices.
A perennial herb, Saxifraga cotyledon typically showcases rosettes of fleshy, lanceolate leaves, which form the plant’s distinctive base. These leaves are intricately patterned with white streaks, adding to the plant’s ornamental appeal. From this basal rosette emerges a tall, pyramid-shaped inflorescence, which has inspired its common name. This inflorescence can reach impressive heights and is studded with numerous small, star-shaped flowers that exhibit delicate white petals often adorned with red or greenish spots.
One of the plant’s most intriguing aspects is its reproductive strategy. The flowers of the Pyramidal saxifrage are not only a visual delight but also play a critical role in the plant’s life cycle by attracting a variety of pollinators. Following pollination, the plant typically forms small, dry fruits, ensuring the dispersal of seeds for future generations.
The Pyramidal saxifrage is well-adapted to thrive in the rough, alpine conditions where it is found. Its preference for rocky substrates and shaded locations helps protect it from the harsh elements, while its fleshy leaves assist in retaining moisture, a critical adaptation in its often dry and sparse habitat.
In horticulture, Saxifraga cotyledon is cherished for its hardiness and its unique aesthetic appeal. Gardeners favor it for rock gardens and alpine houses, where it can be cultivated to showcase its natural beauty. To cultivate this remarkable plant successfully, understanding its native habitat and mimicking similar conditions can be beneficial. This typically involves ensuring good drainage, using a gritty soil mix, and providing partial shade to mirror the plant’s natural preferences.
In conclusion, the Pyramidal saxifrage is more than just a beautiful alpine plant; it is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of nature. Its ability to flourish in some of the most challenging landscapes in Europe underscores its evolutionary success and makes it a plant of considerable interest both to botanists and horticultural enthusiasts alike.
Common Names
Deu: fettblatt-steinbrech, pracht-steinbrech
Nno: bergfrue
Nob: bergfrue
Nor: bergkrands, fieldrose, fjeld-frue, lungegræs
Swe: fjällbrud
Sme: báktenarti
En: Pyramidal saxifrage, Silver saxifrage
Cs: Lomikámen dělohovitý
Nl: Pluimsteenbreek
Fi: Tunturirikko
Fr: Saxifrage cotylédon
De: Fettblatt-Steinbrech, Fettblattsteinbrech, Nabel-Steinbrech, Pracht-Steinbrech, Strauß-Steinbrech, Urgesteins-Steinbrech
Is: Klettafrú
It: Sassifraga dei graniti
Se: Báktenarti
No: Bergfrue, Bergkrands, Fieldrose, Fjeld-frue, Lungegræs
Nb: Bergfrue
Nn: Bergfrue
Fa: ساکسیفراگا کوتیله دون
Sv: Fjällbrud
Synonyms
- Saxifraga multiflora (All.)
- Saxifraga cotyledon f. pyramidalis ((Lapeyr.) DC.)
- Chondrosea pyramidalis (Haw.)
- Saxifraga cotyledon var. oederiana (Ser. ex DC.)
- Saxifraga pyramidata (Mill.)
- Saxifraga montavoniensis (A.Kern. ex Kolb)
- Saxifraga cotyledon var. minor (Regel)
- Saxifraga cotyledon var. glabrata (Laest.)
- Chondrosea cotyledon ((L.) Á.Löve)
- Saxifraga cotyledon var. maculata (Laest.)
- Saxifraga cotyledon var. purpurata (Wahlenb.)
Distribution
- Austria (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Iceland (native)
- Italy (native)
- Norway (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Jan 4, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Sacchi Cecilia (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2021 by Keith Besette (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 3, 2022 by Andrea Zorzan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 23, 2017 by Marcel Ambühl (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 3, 2022 by Andrea Zorzan (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 28, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 28, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 28, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 28, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 7, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 8, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 7, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 25, 2021 by marinella 🌱 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Nigel Slee (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Yann QUELEN (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3753330)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:793495-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Saxifraga cotyledon L.)
Specifications
Growth
Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]