Northwestern Saxifrage (Saxifraga integrifolia)

Coyote Wall Trail, Columbia Gorge, WA, 3/2014.

The Latin word saxifraga means, literally, “rock splitter”.  Contrary to some reports, this is thought to have more to do with an ancient medicinal use in dissolving kidney stones, than a propensity to grow in rocky places.  This variety, also known as Grassland Saxifrage and Early Saxifrage, is notable for its long, reddish, leafless stems, and its early bloom time.

Compose. (No ideas
but in things) Invent!
Saxifrage is my flower that splits
the rocks.

William Carlos Williams                                                                                                                                                                From A Sort of a Song