Scientific Name
Sedum oaxacanum Rose
Synonym(s)
Sedum polyrhizum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Description
Sedum oaxacanum is a small succulent with creeping reddish stems that bear small green leaves with dusted white tips. The stems can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long, rooting where nodes touch the soil. The leaves are fleshy, rounded on the back, flat on the face, up to 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) long, and usually standing nearly at a right angle to the stem.
The flowers are star-shaped with five yellow petals longer than the sepals and appear solitary or sometimes up to 4 in small terminal clusters in summer.
Origin
Sedum oaxacanum is native to Mexico (Oaxaca and Puebla).
Etymology
The specific epithet "oaxacanum (wah-HAW-kah-num)" refers to the type location on mossy ledges of Cerro San Felipe in the state of Oaxaca, where the species was collected in 1906.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 3a to 10b: from −40 °F (−40 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
When growing Sedum, keep in mind that Sedum 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, laying the plant on the ground where you want it to grow is usually enough to start the Sedum plant there. They will send out roots from wherever the stem touches the ground and root itself. If you want to ensure that the plant will start there, add a very thin covering of soil. You can break off one of the stems for taller Sedum 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.
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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