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.

See the BSBI distribution map for Opposite-leaved

It grows in boggy ground and wet areas in woods,

banks of streams, canal towpaths and on wet rocks

- mainly in shade.

Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage is a native,

perennial, short herb that spreads by stolons to

form large mats.

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, Alternate-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