Scientific Name
Sedum praealtum A.DC.
Common Name(s)
Bush Sedum, Green Apple Snap, Green Cockscomb, Shrubby Stonecrop
Synonym(s)
Sedum dendroideum subsp. praealtum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Etymology
The specific epithet "praealtum" (pronounced "pray-AL-tum") means "very high". It refers to the unusually tall growth of this species compared to most other Sedum species, which are typically low-growing.
Origin
Sedum praealtum is native to central Mexico (Chiapas, Oaxaca, Veracruz, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Mexico, Hidalgo, Querétaro, Michoacán) and Guatemala. It grows on sandy loams at elevations of about 4,265 feet (1300 m).
Description
Sedum praealtum is a succulent subshrub with sub-woody, much-branched stems and fleshy, smooth, spoon-shaped leaves. It can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall. The stems are erect, hanging loosely, or growing along the ground. The leaves are light green and shining, often tinged with red. They can measure up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in length and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width.
The flowers are star-shaped, usually 5-merous, bright-yellow, and appear in terminal, much-branched clusters in late winter and early spring.
Subspecies and Forms of Sedum praealtum
- Sedum praealtum subsp. monticola
- Sedum praealtum subsp. parvifolium
- Sedum praealtum subsp. praealtum
- Sedum praealtum f. cristatum
Hybrids of Sedum praealtum
How to Grow and Care for Sedum praealtum
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 7a to 11b: from 0°F (-17.8°C) to 50°F (10°C).
When growing Sedums, keep in mind that these plants need very little attention. They will thrive in conditions in which many other plants thrive, 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. Sedum is commonly called 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 it there. They will send out roots from wherever the stem touches the ground and the root itself. If you want to ensure the plant starts there, add a very thin layer 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.
Learn 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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