Pepper Saxifrage ©Wendy Carter

Pepper saxifrage

Pepper saxifrage is a classic plant of unimproved hay meadows and roadside verges. It's upright, branching stems carry umbrella-like clusters of creamy-yellow, flowers in summer.

Scientific name

Silaum silaus

When to see

June to September

Species information

Statistics

Height: up to 60cm

Conservation status

Common.

Habitats

Grassland

About

A member of the carrot family, Pepper saxifrage is found in a range of unimproved grasslands, from hay meadows to roadside verges, but generally prefers damper soils. It's presence is a good indicator of agriculturally unimproved meadows
. It flowers between June and September, displaying loose umbels (umbrella-like clusters) of yellowy-white flowers.

How to identify

Pepper saxifrage is a medium umbellifer with clusters of fine, cream or yellow flowers. It has small, branched, pinnate leaves with two to four leaflets.

Distribution

Widespread in England, particularly in the south and east of the country. Present in south of Scotland and eastern Wales.

Did you know?

Despite it's name, Pepper saxifrage doesn't taste of pepper!

How people can help

The Wildlife Trusts look after many meadow habitats using traditional methods, such as hay-cutting, reseeding and grazing, for the benefit of local wildlife. We are also working closely with farmers and landowners to promote wildlife-friendly practices in these areas. You can help too: volunteer for your local Wildlife Trust and you could be involved in everything from stockwatching to surveying meadow flowers.