Scientific Name
Sedum clavatum R.T. Clausen
Common Name(s)
Tiscalatengo Gorge Sedum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Origin
This species is native to Mexico. It grows along the cliffs in the gorge of the Tiscalatengo River, an area in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt near Villa Guerrero in the state of Mexico.
Description
Sedum clavatum is an attractive much-branched succulent shrub with stout, creeping branches terminating in rosettes of fleshy, pale green to blue-green leaves, sometimes with red pointed tips. It grows up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall. Rosettes are up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Branches lose the lower leaves as they elongate but are often covered by younger ones, so the plant looks like a solid mat of attractive rosettes. Flowers are star-shaped, 5-merous, with white petals and dark red anthers, and appear in compact clusters on short axillary branches from spring to early summer.
Etymology
The specific epithet "clavatum (KLAV-ah-tum)" is the neuter form of the Latin adjective "clavatus," meaning "club-shaped," and refers to the baseball shape of the sepals.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
When growing Sedums, keep in mind that these plants need very little attention or care. They will thrive in conditions many other plants thrive in but do just as well in less hospitable areas. They are ideal for that part of your yard that gets too much sun or too little water to grow anything else. A common name for Sedum is Stonecrop because many gardeners joke that only stones need less care and live longer.
Sedum is easily planted. For shorter varieties, simply laying the plant on the ground where you want it to grow is usually enough to get the plant started there. They will send out roots from wherever the stem touches the ground and root itself. If you would like to ensure that the plant will start there, you can add a very thin covering of soil.
You can break off one of the stems for taller varieties and push it into the ground where you want to grow it. The stem will root very easily, and a new plant will be established in a season or two.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.
Forms, Cultivars, and Hybrids
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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