Leatherleaf saxifrage (Leptarrhena pyrolifolia)
If you’re looking for a plant with adorable foliage, leatherleaf saxifrage (Leptarrhena pyrolifolia) had better be a contender–just look at those fleshy little toothed leaves!
Not as widespread as many species I feature, this saxifrage grows in moist subalpine and alpine habitats. The individuals pictured here were found creekside on the Chain Lakes Loop trail near Mt. Baker. When I came across this patch in mid-August I had already missed their early summer bloom period, but I can’t complain much. Those vibrant red seed heads are more than photo-worthy!
References
Mark Turner and Phyllis Gustafson, Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest (Portland: Timber Press, 2006), 361.
