Family: Saxifragaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 402 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Saxifraga
Vegetable: False
Observations: Subarctic & Subalpine Northern Hemisphere
Description
Marsh saxifrage, scientifically designated as Saxifraga hirculus, is an intriguing species belonging to the family Saxifragaceae. Described in 1753 by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in his work “Species Plantarum,” this plant has captured the interest of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike for centuries.
This resilient perennial herb thrives in the subarctic and subalpine regions of the Northern Hemisphere, a testament to its robust adaptability to harsh climatic conditions. Typically found in boggy areas, wetlands, and damp meadows, Marsh saxifrage prefers cool, wet environments where it can flourish away from direct sunlight.
A primary characteristic of Saxifraga hirculus is its charming yellow flowers, which bloom from late spring to early autumn, adding vibrant splashes of color to bleak landscapes. The blossoms, often marked with red or orange speckles, stand out against their verdant green foliage, making them easier to spot in their natural habitat.
The ecological significance of Marsh saxifrage extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. It plays a role in maintaining the health of the ecosystems where it is found, acting as a bioindicator for environmental conditions and contributing to the biodiversity of flora in wetland areas.
Despite its hardiness, this plant faces threats from habitat loss and environmental changes. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure that this delicate member of the Saxifragaceae family continues to thrive in its natural habitats, preserving its place in the rich tapestry of plant life in the subarctic and subalpine regions.
Marsh saxifrage stands as a compelling subject for those interested in botany and ecology. Its enduring presence in some of the most challenging environments on Earth highlights the incredible adaptability and diversity of the natural world.
Common Names
Deu: goldblumiger steinbrech, moor-steinbrech
Dan: gul stenbræk
Eng: marsh saxifrage, yellow marsh saxifrage
Nor: myrsildre
Nld: bokjessteenbreek
Lav: dzeltena akmenlauzite
Swe: lettorikko, myrbräcka
Fin: lettorikko
Nno: myrsildre
Nob: myrsildre
Fra: saxifrage bouc, saxifrage dorée, saxifrage oeil-de-bouc, saxifrage oeil de bouc, saxifrage bouc, saxifrage dorée
Sme: jeaggenarti
Gla: moran rèisg
Cym: tormaen melyn y gors
En: Marsh saxifrage, Yellow marsh saxifrage
Da: Gul stenbræk
Nl: Bokjessteenbreek
Fi: Lettorikko
Fr: Saxifrage oeil-de-bouc, Saxifrage bouc, saxifrage dorée, Saxifrage Oeil de Bouc, Saxifrage bouc, Saxifrage dorée
De: Moor-Steinbrech, Goldblumiger Steinbrech
It: Sassifraga delle torbiere
Lv: Dzeltena akmenlauzite
Se: Jeaggenarti
No: Myrsildre
Nb: Myrsildre
Nn: Myrsildre
Gd: Moran Rèisg
Sv: Myrbräcka, Lettorikko
Cy: Tormaen Melyn y Gors
Synonyms
- Saxifraga lanuginosa (Jacquem. ex Decne.)
- Saxifraga autumnalis (L.)
- Leptasea alaskana (Small)
- Saxifraga alaskana ((Small) Fedde)
- Saxifraga hirculus f. major (Engl. & Irmsch.)
- Saxifraga propinqua (R.Br.)
- Leptasea hirculus ((L.) Small)
- Saxifraga flava (Lam.)
- Hirculus ranunculoides subsp. alpina ((Engl.) Á.Löve)
- Kingstonia guttata (Gray)
- Hirculus punctatus (Raf.)
- Hirculus ranunculoides (Haw.)
- Saxifraga hirculus var. uniflora (Sternb.)
- Saxifraga hirculus var. alpina (Engl.)
- Saxifraga hirculus subsp. alpina ((Engl.) Á.Löve)
- Saxifraga hirculus var. humilis ((Engl. & Irmsch.) H.Chuang)
- Saxifraga hirculus subsp. propinqua ((R.Br.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
- Saxifraga hirculus f. humilis (Engl. & Irmsch.)
- Saxifraga hirculus subsp. compacta (Hedberg)
- Saxifraga hirculus subsp. coloradensis (Hedberg)
- Hirculus propinquus ((R.Br.) Haw.)
- Saxifraga prorepens (Fisch. ex Sternb.)
- Saxifraga hirculus var. major ((Engl. & Irmsch.) J.T.Pan)
- Saxifraga hirculus f. intermedia (Engl. & Irmsch.)
- Saxifraga aizoides var. autumnalis ((L.) Nyman)
- Saxifraga lutea (Gilib.)
- Saxifraga hirculus var. typica (C.B.Clarke)
- Hirculus prorepens ((Fisch. ex Sternb.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
- Saxifraga palustris (Salisb.)
- Saxifraga gyacaensis subsp. alpina ((Engl.) Podlech)
- Saxifraga hirculus var. propinqua ((R.Br.) Simmons)
- Saxifraga reflexa (St.-Lag.)
- Saxifraga nutans (Adams)
Distribution
- Afghanistan (native)
- Alaska (native)
- Aleutian Is. (native)
- Altay (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Buryatiya (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- Chita (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Denmark (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greenland (native)
- Iceland (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Irkutsk (native)
- Kamchatka (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Kirgizstan (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Magadan (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- Montana (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Norway (native)
- Nunavut (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Poland (native)
- Québec (native)
- Romania (native)
- Svalbard (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Tadzhikistan (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Tuva (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Utah (native)
- Uzbekistan (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Xinjiang (native)
- Yakutskiya (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 4, 2017 by Andrzej Pasierbinski (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 1995 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 2, 2021 by Erich 🦅 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2017 by Andrzej Pasierbinski (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2017 by Andrzej Pasierbinski (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2017 by Andrzej Pasierbinski (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Bernard TILLY (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Bernard TILLY (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Bernard TILLY (©)
Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Lennaert Steen (cc-by-sa)
© 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.
Other
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Fruit
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Bernard TILLY (©)
Bark
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3032811)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:228461-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Saxifraga hirculus L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 6.5
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 9
Soil nutriments: 2