Scientific Name
Sedum morganianum E. Walther
Common Name(s)
Burro's Tail, Donkey's Tail, Horse's Tail, Lamb's Tail
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Etymology
The specific epithet "morganianum" (pronounced "mor-gan-ee-AY-num") honors Dr. Meredith Walter Morgan (1887-1957), a hobbyist and expert grower from Richmond, California.
Origin
Sedum morganianum is native to Mexico (central Veracruz).
Description
Sedum morganianum is a beautiful succulent with many slender stems covered with thick, fleshy, glaucous green leaves. The stems arise from the base of the plant. They are at first erect, becoming pendulous as they grow, and can reach a length of 3.3 feet (1 m). The leaves are lance-shaped, measuring up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in length and 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter.
The flowers are purplish-pink to reddish-purple and appear in spring, arranged in pendulous clusters at the ends of the longest stems.
Sedum morganianum resembles its relative, Sedum burrito, but has longer and pointier leaves.
How to Grow and Care for Sedum morganianum
Light: These succulents grow best in locations with full sun for at least six hours daily. Most species will tolerate partial shade but will not thrive in deep shade.
Soil: Sedums do not like to sit in waterlogged soil, so drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Choose a gritty, well-draining soil.
Hardiness: Sedum morganianum can withstand temperatures as low as 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b.
Watering: Sedum plants are drought-tolerant but do need some water. They do their best with regular watering from spring through fall. Water thoroughly and wait for the soil to dry out before watering again.
Fertilizing: In spring, Sedums require a balanced organic fertilizer. Feeding is unnecessary as long as the plants are divided annually and provided with fresh soil.
Repotting: Sedums in containers require little more care than those in gardens. Repot your plants when they outgrow their current pot by moving them to a larger container to hold the plant better.
Propagation: Once you have one Sedum, it is easy to make more by taking stems or leaf cuttings and dividing the plant. Sedums are also easy to grow from seed.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Sedum.
Toxicity of Sedum morganianum
Sedums are not listed as toxic for people, but can be mildly toxic to pets and children.
Forms 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
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
