Spotted Saxifrage (Saxifraga bronchialis)

Upper Royal Basin, Olympic National Park, 7/2016.

This less-common saxifrage variety can be identified by its matted, basal, rosette-shaped leaves (shared with the Tolmiei species) and its upright, red stems, but mainly by the yellow, orange and red spots on its petals. It’s only found in the high, rocky areas of the Pacific Northwest and Rockies, such as the top of Saddle Mountain, near Seaside, Oregon and the alpine terrain in the upper Royal Basin of Olympic National Park, where these pictures were taken.  We’ve posted four other saxifrages here:  Western, Northwestern, Rusty and Tufted.

Saddle Mountain Trail, Saddle Mountain State Natural Area, OR, 6/2015.

Upper Royal Basin, Olympic National Park, 7/2016.

Upper Royal Basin, Olympic National Park, 7/2016.

Upper Royal Basin, Olympic National Park, 7/2016.