Sedum ternatum

Michx.

Mountain stonecrop

Crassulaceae Edible: Stems, Leaves 14,796 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-sa

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

iNaturalist· cc-by-sa

Summary

Sedum ternatum is the most widespread native Sedum species in eastern North America, commonly known as woodland stonecrop. It has white flowers, blooming April to May. This shade-tolerant species is often found in the forest understory, although it can also grow in sunnier locations when sufficient moisture is present. Its common name of "stonecrop" evokes its ability to thrive atop boulders, where its succulent leaves help it to retain moisture in shallow soil. It adapts well to garden use. Sedum ternatum is native to much of the eastern United States, as far west as Arkansas and Iowa, south down the Appalachian Mountains, and north to near the Canada–United States border. Sedum ternatum can be distinguished from other sedums, native and cultivated, which are commonly found in the United States by the white flowers with four (not five) petals, and by the leaves in whorls of three, whence the species name. The plant flowers for about a month in late spring to early summer.

Description

A succulent herb. It grows 15 cm tall. The stems will creep along the ground forming dense mats. The flowers are white.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The succulent young leaves are edible.

Traditional Uses

Young stems and leaves can be eaten raw or cooked

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 3-8.

Where It Grows

USA,

Cultivation

The preference is partial sun to light shade, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and a loamy or rocky soil. Tolerates part shade and moist soils better than most other sedums. Bloom Time: April to May. Bloom Description: White. Flower: Showy. Attracts: Bees, Butterflies. Tolerates rabbit, deer, drought, air pollution. Evergreen.

Propagation

Propagate by division or stem cuttings. Simply divide the plant or cut stems and lay them on potting soil or insert them shallowly into the growing medium.

Other Uses

Useful as ground cover including in semi-shaded areas, and makes a good rock garden plant. Provides shelter for beneficial insects and other arthropods, and supplies nectar and pollen for bees — including Andrena forbesii — as well as occasional wasps and flies. Foliage is fed on by the Sedum Aphid (Aphis sedi) and the aphid Aphis acrita. Eastern Chipmunks are known to eat the roots.