Scientific Name
Sedum annuum L.
Common Name(s)
Annual Stonecrop
Synonym(s)
Etiosedum annuum, Sedum annuum subsp. annuum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Etymology
The specific epithet "annuum (AN-yoo-um)" is the neuter form of the Latin adjective "annuus," meaning "annual, yearly, lasting a year," and refers to the life cycle of the species.
Origin
The native range of Sedum annuum is northern Europe, Iceland, most of the mountain ranges of central and southern Europe, and throughout Anatolia and Iran. It grows on sunny rocks, stony ground, and gravelly places at elevations of up to 9,850 feet (3,000 m).
Description
Sedum annuum is an annual or rarely biennial succulent with erect stems that bear pea-green or red-tinged leaves. It can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. The stems are simple or branched from the base. The leaves are thick, fleshy, linear-oblong or oblong-elliptic, sessile with a short, broad truncate spur, and can measure up to 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) long.
The flowers are yellow, sometimes tinged with red. They are star-shaped, 5-merous, and appear in lax cymes with 3 to 15 flowers on 1 to 3 branches in summer.
How to Grow and Care for Sedum annuum
Light: Although common and widespread in the wild, S. annuum is not much cultivated. It grows best in locations where it will enjoy the full sun for at least six hours per day.
Soil: S. annuum does not like to sit in waterlogged soil, so drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Choose a well-draining soil mix.
Watering: From spring through fall, water thoroughly and wait for the soil to dry out before watering again. Avoid wetting the leaves, stems, and flowers when watering.
Propagation: Since it usually grows as an annual plant, S. annuum can be propagated only from seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.
Toxicity of Sedum annuum
S. annuum is not listed as toxic for people but can be mildly toxic to pets and children.
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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