Prickly saxifrage (Saxifraga tricuspidata, Skr. Kiøbenhavnske Selsk. Laerd. Elsk. 10: 446 (1770))

Family: Saxifragaceae

Author: Rottb.

Bibliography: Skr. Kiøbenhavnske Selsk. Laerd. Elsk. 10: 446 (1770)

Year: 1770

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Saxifraga

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic America to Michigan

Description

Prickly saxifrage, scientifically known as Saxifraga tricuspidata, is an intriguing plant species that forms part of the Saxifragaceae family. First described by the botanist Christen Friis Rottbøll in a 1770 publication, this resilient plant has carved out a niche in a range of subarctic environments, stretching from Subarctic America down to the state of Michigan.

Known for its distinctive, spiky foliage, Prickly saxifrage is a hardy perennial that thrives in cold climates and rocky terrains. It typically forms low, dense mats which can endure the harsh conditions often found in its native regions. This plant is characterized by its three-lobed leaves, which not only give it a unique appearance but also contribute to its common name.

Prickly saxifrage stands as an exemplary species within the Saxifragaceae family, commonly noted for its adaptability to subarctic ecosystems. This makes it an essential component of the local flora, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological balance of these regions. Whether in the wild landscapes of Subarctic America or the colder parts of Michigan, Saxifraga tricuspidata continues to be a subject of botanical interest and environmental study.

Common Names

Eng: prickly saxifrage, three toothed saxifrage, three-toothed saxifrage
Fra: saxifrage à trois dents
Nor: spidssildre
En: Prickly saxifrage, Three toothed saxifrage, Three-toothed saxifrage
Fr: Saxifrage à trois dents
No: Spidssildre

Synonyms

• Saxifraga tricuspidata var. typica (Engl. & Irmsch.)
• Ciliaria tricuspidata ((Retz.) W.A.Weber)
• Saxifraga chamissoi (Sternb.)
• Saxifraga tricuspidata var. subintegrifolia (Abrom.)
• Saxifraga tricuspidata var. micrantha (Sternb.)
• Saxifraga tricuspidata f. micrantha ((Sternb.) Calder & Savile)
• Saxifraga tricuspidata f. ligulata (Savile & Calder)
• Leptasea tricuspidata (Haw.)
• Saxifraga tricuspidata f. lutescens (Engl. & Irmsch.)
• Saxifraga tricuspidata f. albiflora (Engl. & Irmsch.)
• Saxifraga tricuspidata f. subintegrifolia ((Abrom.) Polunin)
• Saxifraga tricuspidata f. woodruffii (Calder ex Cody)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Québec (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 17, 2014 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3032759)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:228660-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Saxifraga tricuspidata Rottb.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth