Sedum divergens

Watson

Pacific stonecrop

Crassulaceae Edible: Leaves Potential hazards — see below 2,279 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Sedum divergens, commonly called spreading stonecrop, Cascade stonecrop or Pacific stonecrop, is a low growing flowering plant of the genus Sedum. It is native to western North America from Alaska to northern California. This plant is common in the lava beds of Northwest British Columbia where it is one of the food plants of the Nisga'a first nation.

Description

A plant that keeps growing from year to year and forms mats. The stems are short. They have small succulent leaves. Flowerings stems stick upwards. These are 5-10 cm tall. The flowers are in leafy flat-topped clusters. They are yellow.

Edible Uses

The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. They are very small and round, resembling tiny green berries, with a crisp texture. Some North American Indian tribes valued them as a food and ate them raw.

Traditional Uses

The round fleshy leaves are eaten raw.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The plant has been used in the treatment of piles and has also been given to children as a laxative.

Known Hazards

Although not poisonous, if large quantities of this plant are eaten it can cause a stomach upset.

Distribution

It grows on rocky ledges and slopes. It can be on the coast but is usually in the mountains.

Where It Grows

Canada, North America, USA,

Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils but prefers a fertile well-drained soil and requires a sunny position. Established plants are drought tolerant. 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

Surface sow seed in spring in well-drained soil in a sunny greenhouse position, keeping the soil moist. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough. Plant out during summer if growth is sufficient; otherwise overwinter in a cold frame or greenhouse and plant out in early summer the following year. Division can be carried out at almost any time in the growing season, though spring or early summer is best. Large divisions can go directly into permanent positions; smaller ones are best potted up and grown on in a lightly shaded cold frame until well established.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

There are about 400 Sedum species.

References (4)

MacKinnon, A., et al, 2009, Edible & Medicinal Plants of Canada. Lone Pine. p 254
Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 525
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Turner, N., 1995, Food Plants of Coastal First Peoples. Royal BC Museum Handbook p 72