Sedum acre (Goldmoss Stonecrop)

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 typically deciduous, yellow-green, elliptic in cross-section, about 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) long, and 0.15 inches (0.4 cm) across.

The flowers are star-shaped, 5-merous, bright yellow, and appear solitary or in clusters just above the foliage in summer.

Sedum acre - Goldmoss Stonecrop — *Photo via summitpost.org*

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

Sedum acre is native to Europe and naturalized in North America, Japan, and New Zealand.

Photo Gallery

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