Seasonal Wild Flowers

Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage

Chrysosplenium oppositifolium

Saxifragaceae

February to July

It is found throughout the country, except for the SE Midlands

and East Anglia.

For a map see the National Biodiversity Network Gateway

Opposite-leaves Golden Saxifrage grows in boggy ground and

wet areas in woods, banks of streams, canal towpaths and on

wet rocks - mainly in shade.

It is a native, perennial, short herb that spreads by stolons to

form mats of several square metres.

At the end of February and early March the bright yellow flowers

catch the eye.

The small flowers (3-4mm across) have no petals and the

colour is provided by yellow-green sepals and bright yellow anthers.

The leaves are broad and opposite.

C. alternifolium, alternative-leaved golden saxifrage, is similar

but less common.

Patch of Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage

Yellow-green sepals and yellow anthers

Side view of flower

Opposite leaves