Family: Saxifragaceae
Author: (Graham) Brouillet & Gornall
Bibliography: J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 1: 1020 (2007)
Year: 2007
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Micranthes
Vegetable: False
Observations: Alaska to W. U.S.A.
Description
The Russethair saxifrage, scientifically known as Micranthes ferruginea, is an intriguing and distinctive species belonging to the Saxifragaceae family. This perennial herbaceous plant is primarily found across a range extending from Alaska to the western regions of the United States. The plant is characterized by its robust adaptability to diverse climatic conditions prevalent across its geographic distribution.
Russethair saxifrage exhibits a compact, rosette form with leaves that are green and finely serrated. The leaves are often tinged with a hint of bronze or rust, which contributes to the common name “Russethair.” The saxifrage blooms with clusters of small, delicate white flowers, each accented by subtle reddish or brownish veins that add a splash of color against the verdant foliage.
The plant typically thrives in moist, well-drained environments and is often found in alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and forest understories where it enjoys partial to full shade. The adaptability of Micranthes ferruginea to such varied habitats underscores its ecological versatility and resilience. This species is a vital part of the native flora, contributing to the biodiversity and stability of the ecosystems it inhabits.
The botanical characteristics of Micranthes ferruginea were formally documented in 2007 by Brouillet & Gornall in the Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas. This thorough examination provided a comprehensive overview of its morphology, ecological preferences, and distribution patterns, further solidifying its importance in botanical studies and conservation efforts.
In addition to its ecological significance, the Russethair saxifrage holds ornamental value due to its appealing foliage and delicate flowers. Gardeners and botanists alike appreciate its ability to enhance garden aesthetics, particularly in rock gardens and naturalized plantings where it can showcase its natural beauty.
Overall, the Russethair saxifrage is a noteworthy component of the Saxifragaceae family, celebrated for its unique appearance, ecological contributions, and adaptability to diverse habitats across its native range.
Common Names
Eng: russethair saxifrage, rusty saxifrage, alaska saxifrage, russet-haired saxifrage
Fra: saxifrage à feuilles rousses
En: Russethair saxifrage, Rusty saxifrage, Alaska saxifrage, Russet-haired saxifrage
Fr: Saxifrage à feuilles rousses
Synonyms
- Hydatica newcombei (Small)
- Saxifraga nutkama (Howell)
- Hydatica vreelandii ((Small) Small)
- Hexaphoma ferruginea (Raf.)
- Saxifraga ferruginea var. vreelandii ((Small) Engl. & Irmsch.)
- Spatularia vreelandii (Small)
- Saxifraga leucanthemifolia var. integrifolia (Engl.)
- Saxifraga ferruginea (Graham)
- Saxifraga newcombei (Small)
- Hydatica ferruginea (Small)
- Saxifraga ferruginea var. grandiflora (A.M.Johnson)
- Spatularia ferruginea (Small)
- Saxifraga ferruginea var. foliacea (A.M.Johnson)
- Saxifraga vreelandii ((Small) Fedde)
- Saxifraga ferruginea var. nivea (A.M.Johnson)
- Saxifraga ferruginea var. macounii (Engl. & Irmsch.)
- Saxifraga ferruginea var. typica (Engl. & Irmsch.)
- Spatularia newcombei ((Small) Small)
- Saxifraga ferruginea var. stellariformis (A.M.Johnson)
- Saxifraga ferruginea var. newcombei ((Small) Hultén)
- Saxifraga ferruginea f. vreelandii ((Small) H.St.John)
- Saxifraga bongardii (C.Presl ex Engl.)
- Saxifraga ferruginea var. diffusa (A.M.Johnson)
- Saxifraga ferruginea var. cuneata (A.M.Johnson)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Montana (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Dakota Davies (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 6, 2010 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2003 by EOL − Dianne Fristrom (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 6, 2015 by EOL − Lindsey K. Wise (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Feb 6, 2010 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 6, 2010 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 6, 2010 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2003 by EOL − Dianne Fristrom (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 18, 2014 by EOL − podiceps (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Feb 8, 2016 by EOL − Rebecca Stubbs (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5567699)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60450197-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Micranthes ferruginea (Graham) Brouillet & Gornall)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.5
Ph minimum: 3.7
