The Saxifraga genus are typically herbaceous perennials that have alternate or basal leaves that are roundish or oval in outline but usually lobed or coarsely toothed. The flowers are usually small individually but borne in large inflorescences. The most consistent character is that of two partially fused and partially inferior carpels in the pistil, usually contained inside a so called hypanthium formed from the base of the sepals. There are typically 5 sepal lobes, 5 distinct petals, and 5 or 10 stamens. As the name implies, many of the Saxifrages grow on rocks and cliffs, especially near water, and many are subalpine. Several of the species are grown in gardens.