PURPLE SAXIFRAGE 



Saxifraga oppositifolia Linnaeus 



The purple saxifrage is truly an alpine plant. In the Canadian Rock- 

 ies it is found above tree line near the melting snows on southern slopes, 

 where it comes quickly into bloom in the long days of early summer, 

 and as quickly is past, leaving the matted rosettes of tiny, bright green 

 leaves, dotted with dull red seed capsules, to reward our search, if, per- 

 chance, we are a few days too late to find it in bloom. It delights in 

 disintegrated limestone, often growing in cracks between the rocks. 

 Though plentiful in its chosen situation, it is not often seen by visi- 

 tors, who must make a hard climb to reach its haunts. In Alaska and 

 near the Arctic Circle it finds the most favorable conditions for perfect 

 development, growing into large mats. 



The purple saxifrage is typical of Arctic regions throughout the 

 world, and no doubt survived the glacial period close to the margins of 

 the great ice sheets. When these withdrew, it followed back on the bare 

 rock surfaces. It is now found occasionally in the northern United 

 States, from Wyoming to Vermont, and more abundantly northward. 



The specimen sketched grew on the slopes of Fossil Mountain near 

 Baker Lake, seven miles northeast of Lake Louise Station, Alberta, 

 at an altitude of 8,000 feet. 



PLATE 42. 



