Scientific Name
Sedum spathulifolium Hook.
Common Name(s)
Broadleaf Stonecrop, Colorado Stonecrop, Pacific Stonecrop, Spatula-leaved Stonecrop
Synonym(s)
Echeveria spathulifolia, Gormania spathulifolia, Sedum spathulifolium var. spathulifolium
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Etymology
The specific epithet "spathulifolium (spath-yoo-lif-FOH-lee-um)" means "spoon-leaved" and refers to the spoon-shaped leaves of this species.
Description
Sedum spathulifolium is a quite variable succulent plant that forms mats of basal rosettes growing from a system of rhizomes. It can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. The basal leaves can measure up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long and are sometimes coated in a waxy, powdery-looking exudate.
The flowers are small, star-shaped with yellow petals, and appear on short erect stalks in summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 3a to 9b: from −40 °F (−40 °C) to 30 °F (−1.1 °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. The plant will send out roots from wherever the stem touches the ground and root itself. If you would like to ensure 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 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.
Origin
Sedum spathulifolium is native to western North America, from British Columbia to southern California. It grows in many types of rocky habitats in coastal and inland hills and mountains.
Cultivars
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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