St Bruno virginia saxifrage DSC 2600

The inconspicuous flowers of Micranthes virginiensis, the early saxifrage or the Virgina saxifrage. This is an early spring wildflower that grows on rocks. The stems are long and leafless. A small rosette of dark green leaves hugs the rock surface. (Parc St. Bruno, Quebec, near Montreal). It is thought that the long stems prevent the pollen being taken by beetles and favours productive pollination by bees and other flying insects.