Eastern swamp saxifrage (Saxifraga pensylvanica)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
Prefers an open soil.
Propagation
Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame in the spring. Surface sow, or only just cover the seed, and make sure that the compost does not dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
Edible uses
Young leaves - raw or cooked.
Medicinal uses
A poultice of the root has been used to treat sore, swollen muscles. An infusion of the roots and leaves has been used as a blood purifier. An infusion of the roots has been used to treat weak kidneys and dropsy.
Habitat
Wet meadows, swamps, boggy thickets, prairies and seeping banks.
Native range
Eastern N. America - Maine to Ontario, Minnesota, Virginia, Iowa and Missouri.