Scientific Name
Sedum dendroideum Moc. & Sessé ex DC.
Common Name(s)
Tree Stonecrop, Tree Sedum, Bush Sedum, False Hens and Chickens
Synonym(s)
Sedum dendroideum subsp. dendroideum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Description
Sedum dendroideum is a small succulent shrub that grows up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall and up to 4 feet (1.2 m) wide. It is often confused with Sedum praealtum. Leaves are green, spathulate, and 1.6 inch (2.8 cm) long. They have a line of subepidermal glands all along margins, a feature that immediately separates the plant from its look-alike relatives. These glands can be red in summer but are clearly visible at all times. S. praealtum has no such glands, and leaves tend to be more yellow-green. The large clusters of small vivid yellow, star-shaped flowers appear from above the foliage in late winter and early spring.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °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 that many other plants thrive in but will 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 is touching the ground and root itself. If you would like to ensure further that the plant will start there, you can add a very thin covering of soil over the plant.
You can break off one of the stems for taller varieties and push it into the ground where you would like to grow it. The stem will root very easily, and a new plant will be established in a season or two.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.
Origin
Sedum dendroideum is native to Mexico. It has been naturalized to California and Ohio.
Links
- Back to genus Sedum
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
