PLANT OF THE MONTH: Sedum

Family: Crassulaceae

Species: Sedum 

Common Names: Sedastrum, Sedum, Stonecrops

There are over 300 different species of these succulent plants, commonly known as Stonecrop due to their tendency to grow on rocky ledges in the wild. Sedum is native to the Northern Hemisphere and is mostly a perennial plant characterized by thick, succulent leaves, fleshy stems, and clusters of star-shaped flowers.

The diversity of Sedum varieties makes them suitable for almost all types of garden designs. Use low-growing varieties as ground covers and in rock gardens, while taller varieties work well for back borders.

Cultivation 

Sedum species are hardy, easy to care for, and make great cut flowers. One notable ground cover is Sedum acre, which grows up to 8 cm tall and produces bright golden-yellow flowers in spring. This plant roots easily from a dropped leaf and can quickly fill in stony slopes or difficult corners of your garden.

At Rosamund, we have an abundance of Sedum, which provides much-needed late autumn nectar for pollinators. It is also extremely drought-tolerant, making it an essential addition to zero-water beds in the face of climate change. Currently, it's at its peak and buzzing with bumblebees whenever the sun comes out.

Is Sedum Edible? 

The leaves and flowers of most Sedum species are edible and are sometimes added to soups, smoothies, and salads for their slightly astringent, sour taste (particularly S. sarmentosum, S. reflexum, and S. rhodanthum). However, Sedum acre, also known as Biting Stonecrop, contains high levels of alkaloids that make it NOT EDIBLE and potentially toxic.

Medicinal Properties and Uses 

In traditional herbal medicine, fresh, crushed leaves or plant extracts are often used externally. These plants are believed to have diuretic and laxative properties. They are most commonly associated with treating skin conditions, such as itchy rashes, ulcers, and for the topical treatment of warts, pimples, and acne dermatitis.

Always ensure you have correctly identified a plant before consumption or application. Some people may have unknown allergies, so it's best to approach cautiously and try a small amount first.