Saxifrage Family

Species in the saxifrage family are important components of certain natural habitats, especially in alpine and arctic tundras, where as many as 7-10 species of Saxifraga can occur in the same local habitat.

Many species in the saxifrage family are grown as ornamentals in horticulture. Various species of native and Eurasian Saxifraga are commonly grown in rock gardens. Some other species native to temperate North America are also sometimes grown in horticulture, including bishop's cap (Mitella spp.), coral bells or alum root (Heuchera spp.), and lace flower or foam-flower (Tiarella spp.). Currants and gooseberries that flower prominently are also grown as ornamental shrubs in gardens, including Ribes alpinum, R. americanum, R. speciosum, and other species. Hydrangeas are also cultivated as flowering shrubs, including the Eurasian species, Hydrangea paniculata and H. macrophylla.

The fruits of currants and gooseberries are important agricultural crops in some areas, particularly in Europe and Asia. Currants and gooseberries are not, however, widely grown in North America, because they are an alternate host for white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola), an important, introduced fungal pathogen of white pine (Pinus strobus) and other five-needled pines, which are economically important species of trees.

The most common species of currants and gooseberries in cultivation are the red-fruited currant (Ribes rubrum; there is also a white-fruited variety of this species) of Europe, the black-fruited currant (R. nigrum) of Eurasia, and the gooseberry (R. grossularia) of Eurasia, which can have red, yellow, green, or white fruits, depending on the variety. Native North American species with abundant, edible fruits include the wild black currant (Ribes americanum) and wild gooseberry (Ribes hirtellum). The species of Ribes that are known as currants have smooth fruits and stems, and their flowers and fruits occur in elongate inflorescences known as racemes. The gooseberries have prickly or spiny stems and fruits, and their flowers and fruits occur in a solitary fashion. Most currants and gooseberries are dried as a means of preservation, or are used to make jams, jellies, pies, and wine.