Scientific Name
Sedum spathulifolium Hook.
Common Name(s)
Broadleaf Stonecrop, Colorado Stonecrop, Pacific Stonecrop, Spatula-leaved Stonecrop
Synonym(s)
Cotyledon anomala, Gormania anomala, Sedum anomalum, Sedum spathulifolium subsp. spathulifolium, Sedum woodii
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
Description
Sedum spathulifolium is a quite variable succulent plant that grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall, producing mats of basal rosettes from a system of rhizomes. The basal leaves are up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long. They are sometimes coated in a waxy powdery-looking exudate. Flowers are small, star-shaped with yellow petals, and appear on short erect stems. The specific epithet "spathulifolium" refers to the spade-shaped leaves.
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 that many other plants thrive in but will 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. Simply laying the plant on the ground where you want it to grow is usually enough to get the plant started there for shorter varieties. They will send out roots from wherever the stem is touching 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 would like 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, where 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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