OPPOSITE-LEAVED GOLDEN SAXIFRAGE Chrysosplenium oppositifolium

Eglyn Cyferbynddail

A delicate native wildflower of damp, shady places, Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage is a charming native  perennial, found growing in damp woodlands, beside streams, along wet banks and in shady, mossy places. Despite its name, its tiny flowers are greenish-yellow rather than bright gold, creating a subtle splash of colour in the spring woodland.

This low-growing plant forms attractive mats of rounded, bright green leaves held in opposite pairs along its stems. Its small flowers are surrounded by yellow-green bracts, giving the plant its distinctive golden appearance. It is an excellent choice for recreating the damp, woodland habitats where it naturally thrives.

Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage prefers moist to wet soil in partial or full shade. It grows particularly well in humus-rich ground and is ideal for damp woodland gardens, shaded stream margins, bog gardens and other consistently moist areas.

It spreads gradually to form a low-growing carpet, making it useful as a native ground-cover plant in suitable conditions. It is not suited to dry, sunny borders and will struggle if the soil is allowed to dry out.

As an early-flowering native plant, Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage provides a useful source of pollen and nectar for small insects during spring. Its dense, low-growing foliage also contributes to the structure and diversity of damp woodland habitats, supporting the wider ecosystem.

Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely. Once established in the right conditions, it requires very little maintenance.

Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage is a lovely choice for wildlife-friendly gardens, native woodland planting and the restoration of damp habitats.

Height: Approximately 5–15 cm

Flowering period: March to May

Colour: Green  / Yellow