Meadow Saxifrage Saxifraga granulata (15)

Names

• Synonyms

  Meadow Saxifrage, Granular Saxifrage, White Saxifrage, Fair Maids of France, Fair Maids of Kent, Shepherd's Herb, St. Peter's Wort, Wiggan, Sengreen, Rockfoil.

• Common names

  Saxifraga granulata var. plena, Saxifraga umbrosa, Saxifraga granulata var. australis, Saxifraga helferi, Saxifraga granulata var. hirculus, Micranthes granulata.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Saxifraga granulata, commonly known as Meadow Saxifrage, is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to humans. There is a lack of substantial evidence or reports on the toxicity and potential consequences of ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities are possible. Without specific reports on its toxicity, it is generally assumed to be safe under normal handling and accidental ingestion in small quantities.

• To pets

  Meadow Saxifrage is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets, including cats and dogs. There is limited information on the toxicity of Saxifraga granulata to animals, suggesting that it is not known to be poisonous. However, it's always advisable to prevent pets from eating plants not intended for consumption, as individual animals might experience different sensitivities or allergic reactions. If a pet has ingested Saxifraga granulata and is showing signs of distress, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  1 foot (30 cm)

• Spread

  1 foot (30 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Eurasia

General Benefits

• Ornamental Value: Saxifraga granulata, commonly known as Meadow Saxifrage, adds visual appeal to gardens with its white, star-shaped flowers and lush green foliage.
• Low Maintenance: As a hardy perennial, Meadow Saxifrage requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
• Drought Resistance: Due to its ability to withstand dry conditions, Meadow Saxifrage is useful for xeriscaping and for gardeners seeking drought-tolerant plants.
• Cold Tolerance: Meadow Saxifrage is able to survive in cold climates, adding winter interest and resilience to a garden.
• Soil Adaptability: This plant can thrive in a variety of soil types, including poor or rocky soils, making it a versatile choice for different garden situations.
• Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Meadow Saxifrage attract bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
• Garden Diversity: Incorporating Meadow Saxifrage contributes to biodiversity in a garden setting, which can promote ecological balance and support a variety of wildlife.
• Erosion Control: The plant's dense growth habit helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
• Ground Cover: Meadow Saxifrage can be used as an effective ground cover, suppressing weeds and covering bare spots with its foliage.
• Aesthetic Variety: The plant offers seasonal interest with its charming blooms in spring and green foliage throughout the growing season.
• Edging Plant: Its compact size and neat growth habit make Meadow Saxifrage suitable for use as an edging plant along borders or pathways.
• Rock Gardens: With its tolerance for rocky conditions, Meadow Saxifrage is an excellent choice for rock gardens, where it can provide contrast and interest.

Medical Properties

• Saxifraga granulata, commonly known as Meadow Saxifrage, has been traditionally used for its supposed anti-inflammatory properties.
• It is said to have diuretic effects, potentially helping to promote the production of urine.
• The plant has been used in folk medicine as an astringent, potentially helping to contract tissues or canals of the body.
• Meadow Saxifrage is thought to have antibacterial characteristics, potentially helpful in preventing bacterial infections.
• It has been used for its febrifuge properties, which means it could potentially be helpful in reducing fever.
• The plant has a history of being applied as an expectorant, which might aid in the expulsion of phlegm from the respiratory tract.
• Some cultures have used it for its emmenagogue effects, which is said to stimulate or increase menstrual flow.
• There are claims of it being useful in treating skin disorders due to its supposed antipruritic qualities that may relieve itching.
• Meadow Saxifrage has also been employed in the treatment of urinary tract problems, although scientific evidence is lacking.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Saxifraga granulata, commonly known as Meadow Saxifrage, has been used historically as a yellow dye for wool, given the plant's ability to produce a yellowish tinge.
• The leaves of Meadow Saxifrage can serve as a moderate natural insect repellent when crushed and applied to the skin, due to their aromatic compounds.
• In some cultural practices, the petals of Meadow Saxifrage have been used to decorate food dishes or as an inclusion in salads for a mild, peppery flavor.
• Meadow Saxifrage’s seed pods, when dried, have been occasionally used in traditional decorative arts for their unique shape and texture in dry floral arrangements.
• The plant has been useful in garden design for creating wildflower meadows, providing both aesthetic appeal and supporting local biodiversity.
• Meadow Saxifrage foliage has historically been used to fill out bouquets and as greenery in flower arrangements due to its lush, vivid leaves.
• In addition to its ornamental value, the rosettes of Meadow Saxifrage can provide ground cover to help prevent soil erosion in vulnerable areas.
• The plant has been used in educational settings such as biology classes for the study of plant life cycles and flower structures.
• Artists and naturalists have utilized Meadow Saxifrage for botanical illustration practice due to its distinct flower form and leaf patterns.
• Cultural events, such as traditional festivals in some European countries, have included the use of Meadow Saxifrage in their botanical ornaments and garlands.

Feng Shui

The Meadow Saxifrage is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Meadow Saxifrage is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Perseverance & Strength: Saxifraga granulata is known as "Meadow Saxifrage." The plant's name "Saxifrage" is derived from the Latin for "stone breaker," indicating its ability to grow in rocky, challenging environments. This symbolizes a person's perseverance and strength to thrive despite difficulties.
• Purity & Innocence: Meadow Saxifrage often blooms with white flowers, which are commonly associated with purity and innocence. The simple beauty of the flower may symbolize a pure heart or a return to innocence.
• New Beginnings: The growth of Meadow Saxifrage in the spring aligns with themes of new beginnings and renewal, as it is one of the early flowers to bloom, signifying the end of winter and the start of a new growing season.