Opposite-leaved golden saxifrage

Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage

©Philip Precey

Opposite-leaved golden saxifrage

The flowers of Opposite-leaved golden saxifrage form 'trickles of gold' along riverbanks and streamsides in shady areas like wet woodlands.

Enw gwyddonol

Chrysosplenium oppositifolium

Pryd i'w gweld

April to June

Species information

Ystadegau

Height: up to 12cm
Common.

Ynghylch

Opposite-leaved golden saxifrage is a moisture-loving plant that is found in any habitat near damp or wet places, such as by the side of shady streams and in wet woodlands. It is a creeping perennial that forms mats of golden-green flowers between April and June.

Sut i'w hadnabod

Opposite-leaved golden saxifrage truly lives up to its name: look for paired, rounded, green leaves with small, golden flowers set among them. The flowers themselves actually lack petals, but are surrounded by their golden sepals and yellowish leaves.

Dosbarthiad

Widespread throughout the UK, but scarcer in Central and Eastern England.

Roeddech chi yn gwybod?

Opposite-leaved golden saxifrage has a close relative called 'Alternate-leaved golden saxifrage' (Chrysosplenium alternifolium). The latter is less common, has rounder leaves on longer stalks, larger flowers and can be distinguished by the leaves being alternate up the stem, rather than opposite each other.