Is this a stiffstem saxifrage (Micranthes hieraciifolia)? I came across this plant in Denali National Park, Alaska, a few years ago, and identified it as a stiffstem saxifrage. But now I have started doubting my id. Any thoughts?
Thank you. I have seen the Stiffstem Saxifrage before in Norway (see attached image), where it is a rare mountainous plant growing on calcareous soil. I originally thought the stem looked a bit similar, but must admit I have never seen the Leatherleaf Saxifrage.
The leaves of Stiff Stem Saxifrage (Micranthes hieraciifolia) do not, to me, look like those in your first two photos. See what you think, looking at these photos Leptarrhena pyrolifolia from E-Flora BC (the distribution map also includes Alaska). E-Flora BC Atlas Page
I was unsure whether those leaves were actually from this plant. If they indeed are, I agree that Leptarrhena pyrolifolia is more likely than Micranthes hieraciifolia. Thank you for the link. According to the distribution map, Leptarrhena pyrolifolia has been recorded mainly on the southern side of the Alaska Range. But there is one record near the entrance of Denali National Park, so Leptarrhena pyrolifolia is not unlikely based on distribution. This plant was found between Eielson Visitor Center and Wonder Lake in Denali, for those of you who are familiar with the park. Paalo
I would say definitely Micranthes hieraciifolia: Micranthes hieraciifolia - The Flora of Svalbard Leptarrhena lacks the subtending leafy bracts you can see underneath the flower clusters in both your images and the link above. If you're not satisfied with that, have a search through Provisional Checklist – Flora of Alaska (search for Saxifragaceae, order by Accepted Name)
I agree. It was still very useful to get second opinions on this plant. I did not check out images and distribution maps of Leptarrhena pyrolifolia when I first tried to identify this plant. Thank you Margot and Daniel for valuable comments! Paalo
Not trying to argue, but the leaves shown in paalo's first photo don't look like those on the Aslaska Wildflower's site . . . could the leaves belong to another plant? First photo: http://www.alaskawildflowers.us/Kingdom/Plantae/ Magnoliophyta/Magnoliopsida/Saxifragaceae/Saxifraga _hieracifolia/index.html Second photo: paalo's Sorry, the formatting changed since I wrote the message.
I see what you're getting at -- the leaves in paalo's first photo do resemble those of leatherleaf saxifrage. However, there are other leaves that look similar, and I suspect the one's in his photos belong to one of the several low-growing willows you can find in those Alaskan meadowscapes (e.g., Salix reticulata). The leaves of leatherleaf saxifrage are also not so... hmm... spaced out. They more typically form a dense cluster, like here: https://www.nargs.org/forum/leptarrhena-pyrolifolia
Yes, Daniel, I think you're right about the leaves. Of course, we can't see the leaves at the base of paalo's first photo but I'll bet they are the rosette belonging to Micranthes hieraciifolia. Excellent detective work, paalo and Daniel! Here is a Leptarrhena pyrolifolia in my garden - definitely lacking the subtending leafy bracts underneath the flower clusters that you mentioned and also Salix nakamurana var. yezoalpina which originates in Japan, not Alaska, but shows the somewhat similar leaf.
