1. *Broadleaf Stonecrop – Sedum spathulifolium
(SEE-dum spath-ew-li-FOE-lee-um)
Family: Crassulaceae (Stonecrop Family)
Native to: The west coast mountain ranges from the San Gabriels to British Columbia Canada; rocky
outcroppings and north and east facing cliffs, often in somewhat shaded places, to about 7500'.
Places are often fed by seeps and are quite wet in winter, but may be dry in summer.
creeping succulent
mature height: < 1 ft.
mature width: 1-3+ ft.
Hardy, low-growing evergreen succulent with fleshy leaves. Spoon-shaped leaves form rosettes at
ends of short stems – will quickly spread to form a mat or clump. Leaf color ranges from chalky
white, often tinges with purple or red (coastal forms) to bright or blue-green (upland forms). Very
attractive – looks like a conventional garden succulent. Stems are fragile – break off easily.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring/summer (May-July most commonly). Flowers held above the
foliage on graceful red-brown stalks. Flowers are small, star-shaped and bright yellow. Very dainty
and showy in bloom.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: An excellent choice for filling in around rocks, pavers and other areas with little
foot traffic. Excellent for banks, cascading over stone/retaining walls or in pots. Looks wonderful
with native Dudleyas. Fine groundcover in areas with filtered sun. Young leaves can be eaten raw
or cooked (pick them in the morning for best taste). Good in stir-fry. Cultivars: ‘Blood Red’ – red
foliage; ‘Cape Blanco’ – silvery foliage; ‘Carnea’ & ‘Purpurea’ – red-purple to burgundy foliage.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Sedums.
Excellent habitat plant: hummingbirds, bees & butterflies all like the nectar.
for the rare San Gabriel Mountains Moss's Elfin butterfly.
Attracts:
Host plant
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Semi-shade; filtered sun is perfect.
Any moderately well-drained soil from sands to clays; any pH except very alkali.
Wide tolerance range: probably best in Zone 2, even 2-3 (moderate water).
Wide tolerance range; needs none but fine with organic mulch, even occasional light
fertilizer (but don’t over-fertilize or will become leggy).
Tolerates heat & humidity, pollution, rabbits, seashore, slope, wind
Management:
Very easy to grow. A very garden-friendly plant, as long as you don’t walk on it.
Propagation: from seed: may be challenging
by cuttings: easy
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 6, 8, 11, 13
2/19/11
* CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. county
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