Saxifraga granulata Meadow Saxifrage

An attractive, perennial saxifrage which grows in unimproved or semi-improved base-rich grasslands, including hay meadows and alluvial meadows, and  also along shaded riverbanks. Bulbils, which are produced on its rhizomes, probably play an important role in its dispersal, particularly for poulations in riparian habitats. The rosettes of rounded, neatly-lobed leaves are quite distinctive enabling plants to be identified early in the season before they flower (see photo). The 5-petalled white flowers, which are 2-3cm in diameter, are produced between April and June, but the flowering window is often just a few weeks long, after which plants are less easy to find. Although it is widespread in Britain it has always had a regionally local distribution and it has declined significantly in recent decades as a result of habitat loss. It is on the rare plant registers of several vice counties, including Glamorgan (VC49) and it has UK (and Wales) red status. Its most important populations in West Glamorgan are along the banks of the River Neath (and some of its lowland tributaries) between Aberdulais and Pont Nedd Fechan, where populations fluctuate greatly from year to year. In his 'Guide to the scenery etc. of Glyn-Neath', published in 1835,  William (Weston) Young mentions the occurrence of Saxifraga granulata in the Vale of Neath without mentioning specific sites or habitats.

Native