Stiff-haired saxifrage (Saxifraga aspera, Sp. Pl.: 402 (1753))

Family: Saxifragaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 402 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Saxifraga

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Pyrenees, Alps to WNW. Italy

Description

The Stiff-haired saxifrage, scientifically known as Saxifraga aspera, is a remarkable plant belonging to the family Saxifragaceae. This fascinating species caught the attention of renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, who first described it in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753.

Native to the rugged terrains of the Eastern Pyrenees and the majestic Alps stretching into the western northwestern regions of Italy, the Stiff-haired saxifrage thrives in high-altitude environments. These regions’ unique climatic and geological conditions provide an ideal habitat for this resilient plant.

Characterized by its distinctive stiff hairs, which give the plant its common name, Saxifraga aspera possesses a robust structure enabling it to withstand harsh alpine conditions. These hairs not only provide protection against the cold but also reduce water loss, crucial for survival in its native rocky and often arid habitats.

The plant exhibits a compact and low-growing form, typically forming dense mats that can help it anchor to the rocky substrates it often inhabits. Its leaves are thick and leathery, adaptations that further aid in moisture retention and protection against the elements.

During its blooming season, the Stiff-haired saxifrage produces small, but striking flowers that add a touch of delicate beauty to the rugged alpine landscape. These blossoms contribute to the plant’s role in the local ecosystem, providing nectar and pollen for various pollinators endemic to these high-altitude regions.

Studying Saxifraga aspera offers insights into plant adaptation and survival in extreme environments. Its presence in the diverse and challenging terrains of the Alps and Pyrenees highlights nature’s incredible capacity for adaptation and resilience.

Whether admired for its botanical significance or its subtle beauty, the Stiff-haired saxifrage stands as a testament to the intricate and often surprising ways in which life can flourish even in the most inhospitable of environments.

Common Names

En: Stiff-haired Saxifrage, Rough Saxifrage
Ar: كاسر الحجر خشن السويق
Fr: Saxifrage rude
De: Rauher Steinbrech
It: Sassifraga spinulosa
: Stiff-haired saxifrage

Synonyms

• Saxifraga aspera subsp. elongata ((Gaudin) P.Fourn.)
• Saxifraga aspera var. intermedia (Gaudin)
• Saxifraga hugueninii (Brügger)
• Ciliaria aspera ((L.) Haw.)
• Saxifraga aspera subsp. euaspera (Engl. & Irmsch.)
• Saxifraga orfilae (Chatin ex Rouy & E.G.Camus)
• Saxifraga etrusca (Pignatti)
• Saxifraga aspera subsp. etrusca ((Pignatti) Foggi & P.Romagnoli)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 10, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 1997 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 7, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2019 by Felix Thiele (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 7, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 7, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7339334)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:793244-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Saxifraga aspera L.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]