Irish saxifrage (Saxifraga rosacea, Methodus: 106 (1794))

Family: Saxifragaceae

Author: Moench

Bibliography: Methodus: 106 (1794)

Year: 1794

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Saxifraga

Vegetable: False

Observations: NW. Europe to C. & S. Germany

Description

Irish Saxifrage – Saxifraga rosacea

The Irish saxifrage, known scientifically as Saxifraga rosacea, is an enchanting and resilient plant belonging to the Saxifragaceae family. Described by the botanist Moench in his 1794 publication, Methodus, this species has since captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike with its striking floral display and natural habitat.

Native to Northwestern Europe and found extending into Central and Southern Germany, the Irish saxifrage thrives in its preferred environments. This perennial herbaceous plant is typically found in rocky crevices, alpine meadows, and heathlands, where it often forms lush, green mats dotted with its characteristic starry flowers.

The overall appearance of Saxifraga rosacea is one of delicate beauty. Its rosettes of finely toothed, emerald green leaves are not only visually appealing but also well-adapted to the often harsh climatic conditions of its native regions. When in bloom, the Irish saxifrage exhibits clusters of small, five-petaled flowers. These blossoms can vary in color from pure white to soft pink, creating a picturesque contrast against the plant’s lush foliage.

A remarkable feature of the Irish saxifrage is its versatility. It can be employed in rock gardens, as a border plant, or even in containers, making it a valuable addition to both naturalistic and formal garden designs. Its ability to withstand cold temperatures and poor soil conditions further showcases its robust nature and low maintenance requirements.

In a botanical context, the Irish saxifrage has garnered interest due to its adaptive strategies and reproductive biology. Its rosettes propagate through offsets, ensuring the plant’s stability and spread in its environment. This vegetative propagation is complemented by seed production following the plant’s spring and early summer flowering period.

In summary, Saxifraga rosacea, or Irish saxifrage, is a notable species within the Saxifragaceae family, celebrated for its hardiness and ornamental appeal. Its presence from Northwestern Europe to the heart of Germany underscores its adaptability and ecological importance in these regions. Whether viewed in its natural habitat or cultivated in a garden, this plant continues to enchant all who encounter it.

Common Names

Dan: gærde-stenbræk
Deu: rasen-steinbrech
Lit: rausvoji uolaskėlė
Swe: mattbräcka, mattorikko
Fin: mattorikko
Nob: teppesildre
Nno: teppesildre
Eng: irish saxifrage
Fra: saxifrage rose, saxifrage trompeuse
Cym: tormaen crymddail, tormaen iwerddon, tormaen mynyddig blewog, tormaen mynyddig ymylgrych
En: Irish Saxifrage
Cs: Lomikámen trsnatý
Da: Gærde-stenbræk
Fi: Mattorikko
Fr: Saxifrage rose, Saxifrage trompeuse
De: Rasen-Steinbrech, Rosen-Steinbrech
It: Sassifraga rosacea
Lt: Rausvoji uolaskėlė
Nb: Teppesildre
Nn: Teppesildre
Sv: Mattbräcka, Mattorikko
Cy: Tormaen Iwerddon, Tormaen Crymddail, Tormaen Mynyddig Blewog, Tormaen Mynyddig Ymylgrych
: Irish saxifrage

Synonyms

• Saxifraga cespitosa subsp. rosacea ((Moench) Thell.)
• Saxifraga cespitosa var. palmata ((Sm.) Hartm.)

Distribution

• Belgium (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Føroyar (native)
• Germany (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Poland (native)
• Norway (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 4, 2015 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2020 by Llin Marc (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 10, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 1, 2021 by cybershark (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2021 by Lyse Lrmg (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Mar 13, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 19, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 11, 2022 by Caw Vus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2021 by Daniele Dati Daniele Dati (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by veninga dennis (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2020 by Peter Breitenbach (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by karlheinz Schuh (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:794445-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3032758)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Saxifraga rosacea Moench)

Specifications

Growth