Saxifrage, << SAK suh frihj, >> is a group of hundreds of hardy plants that grow in cold and temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere. They are called saxifrage, which means rock-breaker, because they usually grow on or between rocks. Many saxifrages are grown in rock gardens. Most are perennials (plants that live for more than two growing seasons).
Saxifrages grow from 2 to 36 inches (5 to 91 centimeters) high. The leaves are flat and may be fleshy. They grow in a cluster at the base of the plant. The flower stalk is erect and bears clusters of white, pink, purple, or yellow flowers. The flowers usually have 5 sepals, 5 petals, and 10 stamens. The early saxifrage is one of the most common species. It has white flowers and blooms as early as April. It grows from southeastern Canada to Georgia and west to Missouri.
