Meadow Saxifrage Saxifraga granulate

The combination of white, five petalled flowers on a loosely branched and often sticky flower stem and the long-stalked, kidney shaped leaves which encircle the base of the flower is distinctive. No other wildflower in Norfolk, which might be found in flower between April and June, shares these characteristics. Superficially the white-flowered stitchworts, which can also be seen along road-verges in spring, might appear similar, but stitchworts have long, thin leaves. Meadow saxifrage plants may develop small brown bead-like bilbils at the base of the lower leaves, a useful way of identifying this species when it’s not in flower. The leaves remain green.

This species occurs widely across Norfolk, but nowhere is it common. It is normally found in patches, several plants growing close together and seems to favour well-drained areas. Grassy meadows, churchyards (The Rosary Cemetery in Norwich is a good example of a churchyard full of wildflowers, including meadow saxifrage) and roadside verges are good places to look for this flower.

Meadow saxifrage is a perennial with some of its kidney shaped leaves remaining green in winter. It can be hard to spot their leaves as they are ground hugging, often hidden amongst longer vegetation. Look for clusters of five petalled white flowers appearing in mid April.

WildFlowerFinder - meadow saxifrage
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Where meadow saxifrage grows protect these habitats. Contact Norfolk Wildlife Trust for advice and information on how to manage grasslands and meadows where meadow saxifrage is abundant.