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Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage

©Philip Precey

Opposite-leaved golden saxifrage

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

Top facts

Stats

Height: up to 12cm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

April to June

About

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.

What to look for

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.

Where to find

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

Habitats

Did you know?

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.