This little beauty is probably the island’s most abundant member of the saxifrage family. It is a common woodland wildflower here. They are often found along damp, shaded trails in our fir forests providing a dainty edge to the untrammeled undergrowth.
Sometimes known as coolwort or lace flower, the plant is found down the coast from Alaska to Oregon and eastward into Montana. They are easily found in Glacier National Park, Lummi Island and on the foothills surrounding Mount Hood, among other places.
There are many hybrid varieties available for gardeners with exotic colors and larger blossoms. I prefer the petite, yet elegant wild form found along hiking trails throughout the North Cascades.
This photograph was taken at the Otto Preserve on Memorial Day Weekend.
Dal Neitzel