Rue-leaved Saxifrage (Saxifraga tridactylites)

Rue-leaved Saxifrage

Saxifraga tridactylites

Tiny star-shaped blooms dot rocky crevices, a delicate wild gem. Annual alpine wildflower; common name: Rue-leaved Saxifrage.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open rocky or gravelly sites with minimal shade
💧
Watering Water sparingly; tolerate short periods of drought once established; avoid waterlogged soil
🌡️
Temperature Hardy to light frost (down to 0°C); prefers cool temperate growing conditions
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Basal rosette of trifid, fleshy leaves; stem leaves are smaller, linear and hairless
  • Flower: White, 5-petaled star-shaped blooms with bright yellow central stamens
  • Stem: Slender, branching, slightly hairy stems that spread close to the ground
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil slightly moist during active growth; allow top 1 cm of soil to dry between waterings

Fertilization

Occasional diluted compost tea application. No regular fertilization needed; excess nutrients can reduce flower production

Banana peel powder:Dry banana peels completely, grind to fine powder, and dust lightly on soil surface; avoid overapplication to prevent nutrient buildup
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to extend the flowering period
  • Remove faded foliage after the plant dies back to tidy planting areas
  • Thin overcrowded seedlings in early spring to improve air circulation and growth
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects to humans

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental alpine rock garden plant; used in wildflower restoration projects