Sedum ternatum, Wild, Woodland, or Three-leaved Stonecrop

Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic

This lovely ground cover, the most widespread native member of the Sedum family in eastern North America, favors rocky banks, cliffs, and woods. Its tiny white star-like flowers with five pointed petals rise in showy clusters above succulent foliage in the spring.

Print version: Sedum ternatum, Wild, Woodland, or Three-leaved StonecropSedum ternatum, Wild, Woodland, or Three-leaved Stonecrop, Spread: 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 foot Bloom Color: White Characteristics Spreading, semi-evergreen, herbaceous perennial Succulent, light-green leaves arranged in whorls of three; upper leaves on the fertile, taller shoots may whorl in groups of three or alternate Star-like flowers with four white petals, four light green sepals, and eight red or purple anthers on a four- to eight-inch, whitish branch from April to June Green or pink stems root at nodes to form new plants Attributes Tolerates light shade, drought, air pollution, and rabbits No serious pests or diseases; deer seldom severely damage; eastern chipmunks may eat roots Forms dense mats but easy to control growth and remove unwanted plants Stems, leaves edible until they flower; tender enough to eat raw when very young, otherwise cook briefly Attracts various bees and less often wasps, flies Growing and Maintenance TipsSoil Requirements: Average, well-drainedLight Requirements: Partial Shade Once established, little maintenance is neededWater Requirements: MoistUse in rock gardens or under trees and shrubs Hardiness: USDA Zones 3-8 Excellent Replacement for Delosperma spp. - IceplantLight Requirements: Partial Shade Lawn grasses in dry, shady sitesLysimachia nummularia - Creeping JennyVinca minor - Periwinkle Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: Tried and True Plant Fact Sheets.