saxifrage

views updated May 21 2018

saxifrage Perennial plant of the genus Saxifraga native to temperate and mountainous regions of Europe and North America. The leaves are massed at the base, and the branched clusters of small flowers are white, pink, purple, or yellow. Height: to 61cm (2ft). Family Saxifragaceae.

saxifrage

views updated May 18 2018

saxifrage plant of the genus Saxifraga. XV. — (O)F. saxifrage or late L. saxifraga, f. saxum rock + frag-, base of frangere break. The name was prob. given because many species are found growing among stones and in the clefts of rocks.