About

Chrysosplenium alternifolium is a native species primarily located in the northern and western regions. This perennial reaches a height of approximately 20 cm and spreads through stolons, creating loose carpets of foliage. Its leaves are glossy, rounded, and arranged alternately along the stems. From early spring, small yellow flowers emerge in flattened clusters, accompanied by pale yellow bracts, and continue to bloom over several months.

About the genus

Chrysosplenium consists of compact, often stoloniferous perennials that thrive in shaded environments. They feature elongated stems supporting rounded or kidney-shaped foliage, along with small flowers that can be yellow, green, white, or purple, which appear in clusters at the ends of bracts.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full shade, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Poorly-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Matforming
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Wildlife gardens
Native to
Europe, Siberia

Care notes

Cultivation
Grows naturally in damp, shady places such as streamsides, wet rocky ledges and boggy woods. Needs permanently wet, neutral to alkaline soil in a mostly shaded spot
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to a rust