Genus: Saxifrage from Latin saxum 'rock' and frango 'to break'
Species: nelsoniana after Aven Nelson, Wyoming botantist, ssp. cascadensis
aka Saxifraga punctata var. cascadensis, Heartleaf Saxifrage. Can be easily confused with Merten's Saxifrage, but is more common in the Park than S. mertensiana. The leaves are 1" - 3" (3 - 7 cm) wide and bear the distintive singly toothed pattern. Petals are small, approximately 1/8" long, oval, white and without spots (sources vary regarding spots on the petals). Common in moist rocky places up to 6,000' elevation. (ref. Biek)
Trail Notes:
Trail/Hike: Van Trump Park/Comet Falls
Date: July 25, 2008
Location: approx. midway between trail head and Comet Falls (photo)
