Purple Saxifrage - Saxifraga oppositifolia

Range: Found from Alaska to Northwestern Oregon. In Washington and Oregon found commonly in the mountains. (Pojar 1994)

Climate, elevation: Low to high elevations in Canada and Alaska. Found in middle to high elevations in Washington and Oregon. (Pojar 1994)

Local occurrence: Common locally in the Cascades and Olympics on rocky outcrops and slopes. It can be found from sea level outcrops to alpine tundra. (Pojar 1994)

Habitat preferences:  Rocky slopes, cliffs, ledges, gravelly ridges. Alpine tundra and sea level outcrops. (Pojar 1994)

Plant strategy type/successional stage: Pioneer species (Plants of Western Washington Collection)

Associated species: Not specified.

May be collected as: Seed and cuttings.

Collection restrictions or guidelines: Not specified

Seed germination:  Germination occurs at 12 C, seeds are non dormant

Seed life: Not specified.

Recommended seed storage conditions: Not specified.

Propagation recommendations: Collect seeds in the fall. Germinate seeds at 12 C and grow in greenhouse. Plant when it reaches 1 gallon size.

Soil or medium requirements:  Not specified.

Installation form:  Best if installed as a whole plant. Seeds and cuttings can be killed by late spring freezes.

Recommended planting density: Not specified.

Care requirements after installed: Not specified.

Normal rate of growth or spread:  Slow growth

Sources cited:

Pojar, J., MacKinnon, A. (1994).  Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Lone Pine Publishing Vancouver British Columbia.

Wikipedia. Purple Saxifrage. Retrieved May 24, 2006 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxifraga_oppositifolia