Chrysosplenium glechomifolium
Pacific golden saxifrage
(c) Lindsey K. Wise, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Lindsey K. Wise · licence
Family: Saxifragaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Chrysosplenium glechomifolium (Pacific golden saxifrage) is a native California herb in the Saxifragaceae family, recognized by Pacific Northwest genus reaching its southern limit in coastal Northern California; other Chrysosplenium species don't extend into….
Pacific golden saxifrage is a California native perennial found in the North Coast bioregion in shady wet areas at elevations below 200 meters. Flowering from February to May, this plant produces small yellow-green flowers with distinctive four-lobed nectaries surrounding the ovary. Growing with delicate stems to approximately 15 to 20 centimeters tall, it spreads in moist woodland environments. Its leaves are rounded, 7 to 30 millimeters long with petioles less than 10 millimeters, and blades 5 to 20 millimeters wide. The tiny flowers feature calyx lobes 1.5 to 2 millimeters long, with stamens about 1 millimeter in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Pacific Northwest genus reaching its southern limit in coastal Northern California; other Chrysosplenium species don't extend into California
Habitat and range
Habitat: Shady wet areas
Elevation: < 200 m
California counties: Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino
Outside California: to British Columbia
Bloom period
Chrysosplenium glechomifolium blooms Feb-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
How to tell it apart
vs Cardamine: Cardamine has 4 white petals and narrow leaves; Chrysosplenium has NO petals and rounded scalloped leaves.; vs Nasturtium: Nasturtium has 4 white petals; Chrysosplenium completely lacks petals, showing only golden sepals.; vs Phedimus: Phedimus has succulent pointed leaves and 5-petaled flowers; Chrysosplenium has thin rounded leaves and petalless flowers.; vs Euphorbia: Euphorbia has milky sap and specialized cyathia; Chrysosplenium has clear sap and simple 4-sepaled flowers.; vs Stellaria: Stellaria has deeply notched white petals; Chrysosplenium has NO petals, only 4 golden sepals.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chrysosplenium glechomifolium native to California?
Yes. Chrysosplenium glechomifolium is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Chrysosplenium glechomifolium bloom?
Chrysosplenium glechomifolium blooms Feb-May.
Where in California does Chrysosplenium glechomifolium grow?
Chrysosplenium glechomifolium occurs in Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, at elevations of < 200 m.
What plant family does Chrysosplenium glechomifolium belong to?
Chrysosplenium glechomifolium is in the Saxifragaceae family, genus Chrysosplenium.
Is Chrysosplenium glechomifolium rare or endangered?
Chrysosplenium glechomifolium carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.