How much sun does California saxifrage need?

California saxifrage grows best in part shade conditions.

When does California saxifrage bloom?

California saxifrage blooms in February, March, and April.

Where is California saxifrage native?

California saxifrage (Micranthes californica) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does California saxifrage attract?

California saxifrage draws small native bees and flies.

California saxifrage

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Micranthes californica

Last reviewed: September 2026

California saxifrage (Micranthes californica) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR. It blooms in February, March, and April. The flowers draw small native bees and flies.

Toxicity unknown

California saxifrage (Micranthes californica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 6"–10" W

Bloom

Feb, Mar, Apr

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

small native bees, flies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A small perennial with a basal rosette of rounded, scalloped leaves and a slender, leafless stalk bearing loose clusters of small, white, star-shaped flowers in late winter. Grows on grassy slopes and rock outcrops, going dormant by early summer.

Growing California saxifrage

Grow California saxifrage in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 6 to 10 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The early-season flowers offer one of the first nectar sources of the year for small native bees and flies.

Common questions

How much sun does California saxifrage need?: California saxifrage grows best in part shade conditions.
When does California saxifrage bloom?: California saxifrage blooms in February, March, and April.
Where is California saxifrage native?: California saxifrage (Micranthes californica) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does California saxifrage attract?: California saxifrage draws small native bees and flies.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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