Pronounced (approximate): my-KRAN-theez pen-sil-VAN-ih-kuh
Tall branching flower stalks carry many tiny greenish-white to yellowish flowers. Explore the photographs below, from close details to the plant in its surroundings.
Swamp Saxifrage (Micranthes pensylvanica): open meadow habitat. Tap to browse the photo gallery.
Other common names Pennsylvania Saxifrage
Family Saxifragaceae
Life cycle Perennial
Blooms May–June
Height 1–3½ feet
Habitat Wet meadows, seeps, swamps, and moist woods
Bloom dates and size vary with region and growing conditions. Native status refers to North America.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Wet meadows, seeps, swamps, and moist woods. Look for flowers in may–june; timing varies locally.
Older guides may list this plant as Saxifraga pensylvanica. Look closely at the individual flowers; the airy clusters are much less showy from a distance.
Tall branching flower stalks carry many tiny greenish-white to yellowish flowers.
Flowers have five narrow petals and conspicuous stamens.
Large, toothed basal leaves form a rosette below the flowering stalk.
Browse 12 photographs. Tap any image to enlarge it; use Load more photos for additional views.
Central and eastern Canada and the north-central and eastern United States.
Documented in these states: CT, DE, IL, IN, IA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Swamp Saxifrage, then explore other flowers in the guide.
Original photographs: Where’s Wildlife. Identification and distribution references:
References checked October 2026. Botanical Latin pronunciations are approximate.