Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Chrysosplenium alternifolium
Alternate-leaf Golden Saxifrage
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Height
- 4 to 8 in
- Width
- 6 to 12 in
- Flower color
- Golden yellow to chartreuse small, cup-like flowers tucked among the leaves
- Foliage color
- Bright to medium green leaves arranged alternately along creeping stems
- Bloom time
- Early spring
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Water
- High moisture
- Maintenance
- Very low; little to no pruning needed, divide clumps only if needed to control aggressive spread
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 8
- Wildlife
- Bees and other early-season pollinators, especially small native bees that forage close to the ground
About this plant
Chrysosplenium alternifolium forms low mats of rounded, scalloped green leaves that spread gently along moist ground. In early spring, clusters of tiny yellow-green flowers appear, surrounded by luminous chartreuse bracts that create a soft glow before nearby trees leaf out. The foliage remains fresh and attractive well after flowering, contributing quiet texture through the growing season.
Blooming from early to mid spring, this species is native to Europe and western Asia. It suits woodland edges, shaded stream banks, and naturalistic garden settings where subtle color and ground-level detail are valued.
Works well in
Pollinator Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Borders · Rain Gardens
Companion plants
Ferns · Siberian buglosses · Astilbes · Japanese forest grasses · Primroses · Brunneras
Design tip
Use this subtle groundcover to soften the transition between water features, woodland paths, and surrounding plantings. Its gentle texture and understated color create a natural bridge, allowing bolder neighboring plants to stand out without making the composition feel abrupt.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at PowellsWood Garden.
