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: Crooked Yellow Stonecrop

General Information

Sedum rupestre is a mat-forming, evergreen perennial plant producing a cluster of procumbent, unbranched stems up to 10cm tall. The stems become more or less woody at their base[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is occasionally cultivated in gardens as a food crop, and is also grown for commercial use in 'green roof' systems in order to provide insulation to buildings and habitats for wildlife. It is grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a ground cover.

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

Europe - Norway to France and Spain, east to Sweden, Poland, Ukraine and Greece

Habitat

Walls, shingle and warm grassy places on sandy soils[, ]. Avoids acid soils.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Lepidoptera, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Sedum rupestre is a moderately cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to around -15°c when dormant[].
Grows and flowers best in a sunny position, but tolerant of light shade[, , , ]. Succeeds in most soils[] but prefers a fertile well-drained soil[]. Thrives in well-drained, sandy to gravelly soils of moderate to low fertility[]. Established plants are very drought tolerant[], they grow well in dry soils and can also be grown in a crevice on a wall[, ].
Sometimes grown as an ornamental, there are some named forms[].
Formerly cultivated in western Germany for the young leafy tips which are used as seasoning or eaten in soups and salads, still grown by hobby-gardeners as vegetable[].
A mat forming plant, it spreads rapidly and so is not suitable for the rockery[].
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[, , , ]. A slightly astringent sour taste makes this plant a useful addition to a green tossed salad and it can also be added to soups or used as a vegetable[, ]. Used in salads, it has a fine relish[].

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:

A good ground cover plant for a sunny position[]. The somewhat open growth habit makes it suitable for growing with larger bulbs such as some lilies[]. Place starter plants 20 - 30cm apart in order to obtain rapid massing as a ground cover[].
The plant is used on 'green roof' and 'green wall' systems in Korea. 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 cultivar 'Blue Spruce' has 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.