Kidney saxifrage (Saxifraga hirsuta, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1026 (1759))

Family: Saxifragaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1026 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Saxifraga

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. Ireland, NW. Spain to Pyrenees

Description

Kidney saxifrage, scientifically known as Saxifraga hirsuta, is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Saxifragaceae. This resilient plant is noted for its hardiness and capacity to thrive in rocky, shaded environments.

Native primarily to Southwest Ireland and extending into Northwestern Spain and the Pyrenees, kidney saxifrage favors habitats with cooler climates and moist, well-drained soils. The plant can often be found clinging to rocky outcrops or nestled among stones in garden rockeries. Gardeners and botanists alike appreciate this species for its tenacity and ability to add greenery and delicate flowers to challenging terrain.

The foliage of Saxifraga hirsuta is both distinctive and attractive, with rounded, serrated leaves that are covered in soft hairs—traits that likely contribute to its common name. During the blooming season, delicate, star-shaped white flowers emerge, often featuring intricate red or pink markings. These blooms create a striking contrast against the verdant backdrop of its leaves, making it a charming addition to any shaded garden or natural landscape replicating its native conditions.

For those interested in cultivating kidney saxifrage, it is important to replicate its natural growing conditions closely. Ensuring well-drained soil with consistent moisture and partial to full shade will help in maintaining the plant’s health and encouraging vigorous growth.

The first formal description of Saxifraga hirsuta can be traced back to 1759, as noted in the “Systema Naturae” by Carl Linnaeus. Its longstanding recognition and the enduring interest in this species underscore its botanical significance and ornamental appeal. Whether growing wild in its native range or adorning cultivated gardens, kidney saxifrage continues to be valued for its resilience and delicate beauty.

Common Names

Deu: behaarter steinbrech, rauhaar-steinbrech
Eng: kidney saxifrage
Fra: saxifrage hirsute, faux désespoir des peintres, saxifrage hérissée
Cym: tormaen blewog, tormaen blewog dail hirgrwm, tormaen elwlenddail
En: Kidney Saxifrage
Fr: Saxifrage hirsute, Faux désespoir des peintres, Saxifrage hérissée
De: Behaarter Steinbrech, Rauhaar-Steinbrech, Jehovah Steinbrech, Nieren-Steinbrech
It: Sassifraga irsuta
Es: Rizadilla
Cy: Tormaen Blewog, Tormaen Blewog Dail Hirgrwm, Tormaen Elwlenddail
: Kidney saxifrage

Synonyms

• Saxifraga × geum subsp. hirsuta ((L.) Engl. & Irmsch.)
• Hydatica hirsuta ((L.) Raf.)
• Robertsonia hirsuta ((L.) Haw.)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Spain (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)

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 Jul 11, 2021 by Haltza (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2019 by Marie-Anne M. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by josiane Morineau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2021 by César Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2020 by Vicky Vicky Temperton (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 13, 2019 by Nicole Zewen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Joceline CHAPPERT-BESSIERE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2019 by Marie-Anne M. (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2013 by Víctor Huete (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2019 by Marie-Anne M. (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 2, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HoudrÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HoudrÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HoudrÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by josiane Morineau (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 16, 2022 by redcilleros34 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Bark

Taken Oct 16, 2022 by KP Laer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Eduardo Simiao (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Fruit

Taken Jul 18, 2019 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3032748)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:793813-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Saxifraga hirsuta L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 4

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 5