Species Name: Meadow Saxifrage - Saxifraga granulate

How to recognise

The combination of white, five-petalled flowers on a loosely branched and often sticky flower stem and the long-stalked, kidney-shaped leaves which encircle the base of the flower is distinctive. No other wildflower in Norfolk, which might be found in flower between April and June, shares these characteristics. Superficially the white-flowered stitchworts, which can also be seen along road-verges in spring, might appear similar, but stitchworts have long, thin leaves. Meadow saxifrage plants may develop small brown bead-like bilbils at the base of the lower leaves, a useful way of identifying this species when it’s not in flower.

Where to see

This species occurs widely across Norfolk, but nowhere is it common. It is normally found in patches, several plants growing close together and seems to favour well-drained areas. Grassy meadows, churchyards (The Rosary Cemetery in Norwich is a good example of a churchyard full of wildflowers, including meadow saxifrage)  and roadside verges are good places to look for this flower.

When to see

Meadow saxifrage is a perennial with some of its kidney-shaped leaves remaining green in winter. It can be hard to spot their leaves as they are ground-hugging, often hidden amongst longer vegetation. Look for clusters of five-petalled white flowers appearing in mid April.

Conservation status in Norfolk

This is a declining species nationally with its stronghold in eastern England. It was once a common species on hay meadows and old grasslands but as these habitats have vanished so has the meadow saxifrage.

How to help

Where meadow saxifrage grows protect these habitats. Contact Norfolk Wildlife Trust for advice and information on how to manage grasslands and meadows where meadow saxifrage is abundant.

Did you know?

The scientific name, saxifraga, means stone-breaking and there are two explanations as to its origin. Some say it was given this name by the Romans who, seeing it growing in crevices of rocks, assumed wrongly that the plant’s roots had split the rock. More likely it was given this name because of its use in herbal medicine for the breaking up of gallstones.

Finding out more

PlantLife

Botanical Society of the British Isles

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