Share

Pepper Saxifrage

Pepper Saxifrage ©Wendy Carter

Pepper Saxifrage

Pepper Saxifrage ©Wendy Carter

Pepper saxifrage

+ -
Scientific name: Silaum silaus
Pepper saxifrage is a classic plant of unimproved hay meadows and roadside verges. It's upright, branching stems carry umbrella-like clusters of creamy-yellow, flowers in summer.

Top facts

Stats

Height: up to 60cm

Conservation status

Common.

When to see

June to September

About

A member of the carrot family, Pepper saxifrage is found in a range of unimproved grasslands, from hay meadows to roadside verges, but generally prefers damper soils. It's presence is a good indicator of agriculturally unimproved meadows
. It flowers between June and September, displaying loose umbels (umbrella-like clusters) of yellowy-white flowers.

What to look for

Pepper saxifrage is a medium umbellifer with clusters of fine, cream or yellow flowers. It has small, branched, pinnate leaves with two to four leaflets.

Where to find

Widespread in England, particularly in the south and east of the country. Present in south of Scotland and eastern Wales.

Did you know?

Despite it's name, Pepper saxifrage doesn't taste of pepper!