The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Strawberry Saxifrage

General Information

Saxifraga stolonifera is a Evergreen Perennial up to 0.15 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - W. China, Japan. Naturalized in C. and S. Europe[].

Habitat

Shady cliffs and mossy rocks at low altitudes[]. Occasionally naturalized on walls in C. and S. Europe[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.15 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Saxifraga stolonifera is cold-hardy to about -10°c when dormant[]. The leaves and the flowers, however, are liable to be damaged by autumn frosts[].
Prefers a cool position in a moist humus-rich soil[]. Prefers an acid soil[]. Thrives on heavy soils in the milder areas of the country[]. Usually thrives in a poor soil with a northerly aspect[]. Grows well in light woodland[] or in a shady position in a rock garden.
A very ornamental plant[], it is sometimes grown as a house plant[].
A polymorphic species[], it is closely related to Saxifraga cortusifolia, differing in having runners[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked[, ]. Relished in Japan when parboiled or fried and used in salads[].

Flowering stem - said to be tasty when salted[].

Medicinal

Antibacterial, antiphlogistic[]. There are growth-promoting substances in the leaves[].
The whole plant is depurative, febrifuge and suppurative[, ]. Its use promotes the drainage of pus[]. A decoction is used in the treatment of boils and abscesses, poisonous snakebites, otitis media, acute attacks of convulsions and haematemesis[].
The leaf juice is applied to aching ears, abscesses and inflammations[].

Other Uses

Can be grown as a ground cover plant in a shady position[]. Plants should be spaced about 45cm apart each way[].

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame in the spring. Surface sow, or only just cover the seed, and make sure that the compost does not dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.