Family: Saxifragaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 398 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Chrysosplenium
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Europe to W. Siberia and Caucasus
Description
The Alternate-leaf golden saxifrage, scientifically known as Chrysosplenium alternifolium and first described officially in “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus, is a charming member of the Saxifragaceae family. This perennial herbaceous plant holds a particular place in the rich tapestry of European flora, renowned for both its unique morphology and its ecological niche.
Description
Chrysosplenium alternifolium is characterized by its distinctive alternate leaves, which set it apart from other species within the Chrysosplenium genus, typically known for their opposite leaf arrangement. Each leaf presents an elliptic to ovate shape, often with a slightly serrated edge, growing along slender, reddish stems that contrast with the fresh green foliage.
The plant blooms in early to mid-spring, producing small yet conspicuous yellow-green flowers. These flowers are arranged in loose, flattened clusters – a feature that attracts various pollinators to partake in its reproductive process. Despite their modest size, the flowers are a harbinger of spring, contributing to the early seasonal burst of color in their native habitats.
Habitat and Distribution
Native to a broad range stretching from Europe to Western Siberia and the Caucasus, the Alternate-leaf golden saxifrage thrives in damp, shaded environments. Often found along the banks of streams, in moist woodlands, and other areas with consistently high humidity, it plays a crucial role in the understorey plant community. Its preference for such habitats makes it an essential species for preventing soil erosion along watercourses and supporting the ecosystem’s overall stability.
Ecological Importance
The presence of Chrysosplenium alternifolium within its natural habitats indicates a well-balanced, healthy ecosystem. It provides early nectar sources for emerging insects and pollinators, making it integral to the food web during the transitional period from winter to spring. Furthermore, its leaves and stems offer shelter and sustenance for various invertebrates, further embedding it into the local biodiversity.
Cultivation
For those interested in cultivating this species, it should be noted that mimicking its natural habitat is key to successful growth. Gardeners should aim to recreate a cool, shaded, and consistently moist environment, such as in a shaded rock garden or around a garden pond. While not a demanding plant, it does require a certain level of care to ensure that the soil does not dry out and that it remains in partial to full shade.
Conclusion
Chrysosplenium alternifolium stands out not just for its botanical features but also for its ecological role across a broad geographic range. Its adaptability to specific environmental niches, combined with its early blooming period, makes it a valuable species for both natural habitats and cultivated gardens aiming to support native flora and fauna. The Alternate-leaf golden saxifrage is a testament to the intricate connections within plant communities and their environments, continuing to inspire botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.
Common Names
Dan: almindelig milturt
Deu: wechselblättriges milzkraut
Fra: dorine à feuilles alternes
Swe: gullpudra, kevätlinnunsilmä, vanlig gullpudra
Fin: kevätlinnunsilmä
Nob: maigull
Nno: maigull
Nld: verspreidbladig goudveil
Eng: alternate-leaved golden-saxifrage
Cym: eglyn bob yn ail ddail, eglyn bob yn eilddail, eglyn cylchddail
En: Alternate-leaf golden saxifrage, Alternate-leaved Golden-saxifrage
Be: Мінушкі звычайныя
Bg: Последователнолистна жълтина
Hr: Izmjeničnolisna žutina
Cs: Mokrýš střídavolistý
Da: Almindelig Milturt
Nl: Verspreidbladig goudveil
Et: Harilik lepiklill
Fi: Kevätlinnunsilmä
Fr: Dorine à feuilles alternes, Herbe à l’archamboucher, Cresson de rocher, Cresson doré, Hépatique dorée, Scolopendre d’or
De: Wechselblättriges Milzkraut
Hu: Aranyos veselke
Is: Maígull
It: Erba-milza comune
Lt: Pražangialapė blužnutė
No: Maigull
Nb: Maigull
Nn: Maigull
Pl: Śledziennica skrętolistna
Ru: Селезёночник очерёднолистный
Sk: Slezinovka striedavolistá
Es: Premenjalnolistni vraničnik
Sv: Gullpudra, Kevätlinnunsilmä, Vanlig gullpudra
Uk: Жовтяниця черговолиста
Cy: Eglyn Bob yn Eilddail, Eglyn Bob Yn Ail Ddail, Eglyn Cylchddail
Synonyms
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- Denmark (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Magadan (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Norway (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken May 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 21, 2021 by Rudolf Rimóci (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 19, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 20, 2022 by Côme Ber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2022 by Helga Kautsch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 6, 2022 by K. Wemh. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 21, 2021 by Rudolf Rimóci (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 30, 2021 by Tomáš (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Feb 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 30, 2019 by beurny (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2019 by beurny (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 17, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude Bouzat (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (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.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7339315)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30303328-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Chrysosplenium alternifolium L.)