About

Chrysosplenium oppositifolium is a native species commonly found throughout much of Britain. This perennial typically reaches a height of around 20 cm and spreads by means of stolons, creating loose mats of foliage. The plant features glossy, rounded leaves that grow in pairs. From early spring and lasting several months, small yellow flowers emerge in flattened clusters, accompanied by yellowish bracts.

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
Acid, 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

Care notes

Cultivation
Grows naturally in damp, shady places such as streamsides, wet rocky ledges and boggy woods. Tolerates acid or alkaline conditions, but needs permanently wet 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