Saxifragaceae
Heartleaf Saxifrage: Edible Plant
Micranthes nelsoniana
Requires a cool, semi-shaded or shaded location and constantly moist, humus-rich, acidic, yet well-drained soil. It is very frost-hardy (USDA zones 3-7) but does not tolerate hot, dry summers. It is suitable for the edges of garden ponds, moist woodland gardens, and shaded rock gardens; it is not suitable for indoor cultivation.
Every 3 days
Partial shade
-35° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Heartleaf Saxifrage?
Heartleaf Saxifrage (Micranthes nelsoniana) is a medium-care plant from the Saxifragaceae family. Micranthes nelsoniana (formerly known as Saxifraga nelsoniana) is a perennial saxifrage native to northwestern North America (Alaska, Yukon, British Columbia, and the mountains of Washington) and Eastern Siberia. It grows along cold mountain streams, waterfalls, in moist rock crevices, bogs, and sub...
Heartleaf Saxifrage grows up to 45cm, spread of 30cm, watering every 3 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Heartleaf Saxifrage is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Heartleaf Saxifrage?
TLDR: Heartleaf Saxifrage needs Partial shade, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between -35-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Heartleaf Saxifrage?
The soil should never dry out: in summer and warm weather, water every 2-3 days, and less frequently in cool weather. In moist areas near water, it requires very little watering. However, stagnant, oxygen-depleted water can cause crown rot in warm weather, so the soil must drain away excess moisture.
How Much Light Does Heartleaf Saxifrage Need?
Shade or partial shade; it can tolerate some morning sun. Strong midday sun will scorch the leaves and dry out the plant, especially in warm climates.
What Is the Best Soil for Heartleaf Saxifrage?
Humus-rich, acidic, moist soil mixed with a little gravel or crushed stone to ensure good drainage. In nature, it also thrives in rock crevices and on stream-side gravel.
What Pot Should You Use for Heartleaf Saxifrage?
It is best planted in the garden. If grown in a pot, use a wide clay pot with drainage holes, keep it in a cool, shaded spot, and never allow it to dry out.
What Is Heartleaf Saxifrage and Where Does It Come From?
Micranthes nelsoniana (formerly known as Saxifraga nelsoniana) is a perennial saxifrage native to northwestern North America (Alaska, Yukon, British Columbia, and the mountains of Washington) and Eastern Siberia. It grows along cold mountain streams, waterfalls, in moist rock crevices, bogs, and subalpine forests up to approximately 1,800 meters. Its basal rosette consists of long-petioled, round or heart-shaped, toothed, slightly fleshy leaves. In summer, from June to August, small five-petaled white (sometimes pinkish) flowers with greenish centers bloom in loose clusters on 13-45 cm stems. It slowly forms clumps via rhizomes, reaching about 30 cm in width.
How to Propagate Heartleaf Saxifrage?
Division
Protect divided clumps in pots from frost during their first winter and gradually acclimate them to wind and light.
- 1 Dig up the entire clump in fall or early spring, outside of the flowering period
- 2 Divide it so that each section has 2-3 leaf rosettes and roots
- 3 Plant immediately to prevent the roots from drying out
- 4 Keep moist and in the shade until established
Materials needed:
Seed Sowing
Plants grown from seed will bloom after 2-3 years.
- 1 Sow seeds in winter on the surface of a moist, loose medium
- 2 Cover only very lightly
- 3 Leave outdoors in the cold so that frost can break the dormancy
- 4 In spring, after germination, keep cool and moist
Materials needed:
How Big Does Heartleaf Saxifrage Grow?
TLDR: Heartleaf Saxifrage can reach up to 45cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
45cm
Spread
30cm
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Culinary Uses
- Native Alaskans eat the young leaves raw or preserved in seal oil, served alongside fish and meat
- The leaves are rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Heartleaf Saxifrage?
TLDR: Heartleaf Saxifrage is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are mollusks that feed on plant tissue, causing irregular holes in leaves and damage to young seedlings. They are most active at night and in moist conditions, leaving characteristic silvery slime trails. These pests can quickly devastate gardens, especially during wet seasons.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Crown Rot
Crown rot is a serious fungal disease that attacks the crown (base) of the plant where the stem meets the soil. It is caused by various fungal pathogens including Phytophthora, Fusarium, and Rhizoctonia. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions and can quickly spread to kill the entire plant if not addressed promptly.
Heat Stress
Heat stress occurs when plants are exposed to excessively high temperatures, typically above 85-90°F (29-32°C), causing physiological damage and compromising vital processes such as photosynthesis and transpiration.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
