Saxifraga granulata, L.

86. S. granulata L. View in CoL , Sp. Pl. 403 (1753) View Cited Treatment .

Leaves mostly basal, petiolate, reniform, crenate, rarely dentate, often rather fleshy, hairy at least on the petiole, subtending numerous small, subterranean, axillary bulbils. Cauline leaves usually absent; if present, similar to basal leaves but with shorter stalks and without bulbils. Stem up to 50 cm, erect, usually simple in lower half, branched above; lower bracts usually large and leaf-like. Flowers in a lax cyme. Sepals triangular-ovate or oblong; petals 9- 16 x 3-8 mm, white, glabrous. N., C. & W. Europe, extending eastwards to N. W. Russia, N. W. Ukraine, W. Hungary and Sicilia. Au Be Br Cz Da Fe Ga Ge Hb He Ho Hs Hu It Ju Lu No Po Rs (N, B, C)?Sa Si Su.

Very variable, especially in size, degree of hairiness, extent of branching of stem, and width of petals; variable also in habitat, growing often in dry, rocky situations in S. Europe and mainly in damp grassland in N. & C. Europe. Although many local populations have a characteristic facies, there is little constant correlation of characters over wide areas, nor is habitat consistently correlated with form. One regional population of very distinct facies is here recognized as a subspecies, but intermediate forms, linking it to the variable subsp. granulata , are not uncommon.