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Sedum spathulifolium

Sedum spathulifolium Hook.

Broadleaf Stonecrop, Broad-leaf Stonecrop, Common Stonecrop

Crassulaceae (Stonecrop Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: SESP

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

This species occurs in many forms throughout its range. Near the coast the leaves may be chalky white, or even white edged with red-purple. Mountain and inland forms have vivid-green to blue-green leaves. Like all sedums, the leaves are succulent, occuring in tight rosettes. The star-like flowers of this perennial are bright yellow, occuring in open clusters on flowering stems 2-8 in. high.

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Follicle
Size Notes: Up to about 8 inches tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: CA , OR , WA
Canada: BC
Native Distribution: N. & c. CA, n. to s. B.C.
Native Habitat: Rocky slopes & ledges below 7500 ft.

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Well-drained soil.
Conditions Comments: Plants work best when set at an angle so water drains off the crown. Stonecrop appreciates some summer water. Try growing in rock wall; prefers dry, nutrient-poor, thin soils.

Benefit

Use Food: EDIBLE PARTS: Stems and leaves, when very young and tender, may be eaten raw. Later, until they flower, they may be briefly cooked until tender. Young tubers, sliced in the spring and late fall, can be added to salads. (Poisonous Plants of N.C.)
Warning: POISONOUS PARTS: All parts. Low toxicity if eaten. Unknown symptomts but possibly gastrointestinal symptoms. Toxic Principle: Alkaloids sedine, sedamine, and others.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies

Propagation

Description: Increase with cuttings, rooted sections or seed.
Commercially Avail: yes

Web Reference

Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-02-27
Research By: TWC Staff

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