Scientific Name
Sedum acre L.
Common Name(s)
Goldmoss Stonecrop, Mossy Stonecrop, Biting Stonecrop, Stonecrop, Goldmoss Sedum, Wall Pepper, Wall Grass
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Description
Sedum acre is a mat-forming succulent with trailing, laxly branched, nonflowering shoots ascending at the tip and densely clad in usually deciduous leaves. The lower part of the stems is commonly clothed with persistent dead leaves. The leaves are usually deciduous, yellow-green, elliptic in cross-section, about 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) long, and 0.15 inches (0.4 cm) across. Flowers are star-shaped, 5-merous, bright yellow, and appear solitary or in clusters just above the foliage in summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 4a to 9b: from -30 °F (−34.4 °C) to 30 °F (-1.1 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Once established, Palmer's Sedum is a very easy-to-care plant. Like all succulents, it demands porous soil and rapid drainage. Grow in rock gardens, mounds, small slopes, natural cliff faces, and the top edge of retaining walls and curbs. This is a great plant for a soil pocket on a wall, a container specimen, or a hanging basket.
Palmer's Sedum is one of the most shade-tolerant Sedums, but if grown in bright light, the green leaves blush with pink. Water during the growing season only if the soil dries out completely. It is hardy to 20 °F (-7 °C), and some say it can handle temperatures closer to 0°F (-17.8°C).
Irrigate more or repot when plants drop lower leaves. You can prune back any errant runners, usually just by breaking them off. You can also cut back in spring to keep the growth habit a little more compact.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.
Origin
This species is native to Europe and naturalized in North America, Japan, and New Zealand.
Links
- Back to genus Sedum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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