The genus Sedum (sensu lato) is a large and diverse grouping of species. Various molecular studies since 1995 have indicated that many of these species would be better placed within segregate genera - a treatment that is not universally recognized. We have chosen to follow the Flora of China[] and Flora of N. America[] in recognizing these new genera. When the nomenclatural, biogeographic, and morphological data has become available for many other groupings within Sedum, it is likely that more new genera will be established - to date we have transferred a number of species to the genera Hylotelephium. Phedimus and Rhodeola[].

Common Name: Stonecrop

General Information

Sedum forsterianum is a mat-forming, evergreen perennial plant; it produces numerous creeping stems that form roots as they grow, with short, ascending sterile stems and longer flowering stems; it can grow 15 - 30cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is cultivated for commercial use in 'green roof' systems in order to provide insulation to buildings, habitats for wildlife and to ameliorate the climate. It is also sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

All species in the genus Sedum (including the closely allied genera such as Hylotelephium and Phedimus) have more or less edible leaves and young flowering stems, though they are not always totally desireable with several species having bitter, acrid or peppery flavours!
However, the plants contain various alkaloids including sedine and sedamine. These can sometimes cause gastric upsets, usually of a mild nature[]. This is most likely to happen with species that have yellow flowers, though eating large quantities of any species could be problematic[, ].

Botanical References

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Range

Western Europe - Britain, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal

Habitat

A very local plant in Britain, growing on rocks and screes on dry soils; at elevations up to 360 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.20 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Sedum forsterianum is a moderately cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to around -15°c when dormant[].
Most Sedum species will grow best if given a moist, but well-drained, fairly fertile soil in a sunny position[]. Many of the species will do well in quite dry positions, in poor soils and in light shade - see notes on the plant's habitat for ideas about this[]. Most species are somewhat to very drought tolerant[]. Can be grown on a wall[]. Requires a sunny position[].
This species is closely related to Sedum rupestre.
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[, ].
Species in this genus are often specially targeted by slugs[].
Plants in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked[, , , ].

Medicinal

We have seen no specific reports on medicinal uses for this species, but Sedum species (including Hylotelephium and Phedimus) generally contain various medicinally active compounds including alkaloids, tannins, cyanogenic compounds and, in particular, a range of flavanoids with anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. Many Sedum species are used medicinally to treat pain and inflammation - in addition a poultice made from the crushed, succulent leaves and young stems can be applied topically to cuts, wounds, burns and various skin disorders[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is grown in 'green roof' and 'green wall' systems. These systems are incorporated into the structure of the building, providing habitats for wildlife as well as insulating the building and helping to improve the environment[]. The cultivars 'Oracle' and 'Silver Stone'' have been specifically mentioned.

Other Uses

None known

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.