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Native Plant Database

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Sedum ternatum (Woodland stonecrop)
Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Sedum ternatum Michx.

Woodland stonecrop, Wild stonecrop

Crassulaceae (Stonecrop Family)

USDA Symbol: sete3

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

The creeping stems of this rock-loving perennial usually send up a single flowering branch, 4-8 in. high, and several shorter, leafier, non-flowering branches. The succulent, light-green leaves are arranged alternately or in whorls of three. Flowers are white with five, pointed petals and occur in a three-branched terminal clusters.

Woods Stonecrop is a member of the sedum family (family Crassulaceae), which includes succulent herbs or small shrubs, commonly with star-like flowers in branched clusters. There are about 35 genera and 1,500 species. Many are cultivated as ornamentals or succulent novelties, including Jade Tree, Stonecrops, and Air Plant. Vegetative reproduction is common in the family, and in some members little plantlets grow along the leaves, drop to the ground, and root.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MO , MS , NC , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WV
Native Distribution: NY to s. MI & e.c. IA, s. to GA, TN & AR; an escape further north & east
Native Habitat: Damp, rocky woods & cliffs, especially limestone areas
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(I)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Thin, limey soils.
Conditions Comments: Once established, this prostrate, spreading ground cover needs little, if any, maintenance.

Propagation

Description: Propagate by division, cuttings or seed. Because seeds are so tiny, they should be mixed with sand and sown in a protected location. Cuttings may be taken from sterile shoots at any time during the growing season. A rooting chamber is not required. Be
Seed Collection: Very small, dark-brown seeds are ready for collection 2-3 weeks after the plant flowers. Air-dry and store in sealed, refrigerated containers.
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
Amandas Garden - Springwater, NY
Sunshine Farm & Gardens - Renick, WV
Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
Toadshade Wildflower Farm - Frenchtown, NJ
Prairie Nursery - Westfield, WI

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Longwood Gardens - Newark, DE
* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Sedum ternatum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Sedum ternatum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Sedum ternatum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-12-09
Research By: TWC Staff

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