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:

General Information

Sedum praealtum is a succulent, evergreen shrub with a much branched stem, the branches very thick and succulent but usually woody near their base; it can grow 30 - 60cm tall[, ].
The plant is often harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is sometimes cultivated as a medicinal plant in Mexico and is often grown as an ornamental, both in pots and in the open ground[].

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

C. America - Guatemala, north to Mexico and California

Habitat

Open or wooded mountain sides, in moist or rather dry situations; at elevations from 2,300 - 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Sedum praeltum is a moderately cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to around -20°c when dormant[].
Succeeds in most soils[] but prefers a fertile well-drained soil in 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[, ].
Species in this genus are often specially targeted by slugs[].
Plants in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].
In Mexico much used and sometimes cultivated as medicinal and ornamental plant[].(subsp parvifolium)

Edible Uses

We have no specific mention of edibility for this species but, in general, the leaves of all members of this genus are edible, though not always very desirable[, ]. Some caution should be employed however, particularly if the plant has yellow flowers - see the notes above on toxicity[].

Medicinal

The plant is used medicinally in Mexico[].

The juice of the leaves is employed frequently for treating inflammation of the eyes and mouth, particularly the mouth affection called 'fuego de la boca'[].

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.