Scientific Name
Sedum praealtum A.DC.
Common Name(s)
Bush Sedum, Green Apple Snap, Green Cockscomb, Shrubby Stonecrop
Synonym(s)
Sedum dendriodeum, Sedum dendroideum subsp. praealtum, Sedum praealtum subsp. praealtum
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Description
Sedum praealtum is a succulent subshrub with sub-woody, much-branched stems and fleshy, smooth leaves. It grows 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 are spoon-shaped, measuring up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
The flowers are star-shaped, usually 5-merous, bright-yellow, and appear in terminal much-branched clusters in late winter and early spring.
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).
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 7a to 11b: from 0 °F (−17.8 °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 the root itself. If you want 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.
Learn 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
Photo Gallery
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