Sedum lanceolatum
Torr.
Spearleaf Stonecrop, Subalpine stonecrop
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(c) Peter Zika, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Peter Zika
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(c) Remington Jackson, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Remington Jackson
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(c) sherbee, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
Sedum lanceolatum is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Edible Uses
Leaves - raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
Birthing aid Laxative. The plant is laxative. An infusion of the stems, leaves and flowers has been taken to clean out the womb after childbirth.
Known Hazards
Although not poisonous, if large quantities of this plant are eaten it can cause a stomach upset.
Distribution
North-western N. America.
Where It Grows
NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Yukon, Alberta), United States (Alaska (south), Nebraska (west), South Dakota (west), Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, Arizona (north), California, Nevada, Utah)
Cultivation
Succeeds in most soils but prefers a fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position. Established plants are drought tolerant. Succeeds when grown on a wall. Hardy to at least -15°c. A very polymorphic species, it is closely related to S. stenopetalum, but this species is not creeping. All members of this genus are said to have edible leaves, though those species, such as this one, that have yellow flowers can cause stomach upsets if they are eaten in quantity. Plants in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.
Propagation
Seed - surface sow in spring in well-drained soil in a sunny position in a greenhouse. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. If sufficient growth is made, it is possible to plant them out during the summer, otherwise keep them in a cold-frame or greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in early summer of the following year. Division is very easy and can be carried out at almost any time in the growing season, though is probably best done in spring or early summer. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
