Saxifraga austromontana

Yellow-dot Saxifrage

Yellow-dot Saxifrage
aka Saxifraga bronchialis, Matted Saxifrage, Spotted Saxifrage, Pricky Saxifrage. There are two subspecies found in the Park, this is surely the more common, ssp. austromontana. Here the leaves, 1/2″ – 3/4″ (1 – 1.5 cm) long, are lance-shaped and form a sharp tip. A shorter leave with a blunt tip would suggest the other variety, ssp. vespertina. The plant can form mats spreading 2′ – 3′ with flowering stems 4″ – 8″ tall. A beautiful flower with the distinctive yellow dot. Not especially common but found in dry rocky places including talus and scree slopes to 8,000′ elevation.

Family:

Saxifragaceae - SAXIFRAGE FAMILY

Genus:

Saxifraga from Latin saxum 'rock' and frango 'to break'

Species:

austromontana means 'of the southern mountains'
Photo location: Several locations including rock outcropping at Mt. Fremont and Knapsack Pass.