Sedum ternatum, Wild 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 Stonecrop Sedum ternatum, Wild Stonecrop - Ground Cover Height: 1⁄2 foot 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 Tips Soil Requirements: Average, well-drained Light Requirements: Partial Shade Once established, little maintenance is needed Water Requirements: Moist Use in rock gardens or under trees and shrubs. Hardiness: USDA Zones 3-8 Excellent Replacement for Delosperma spp. – Iceplant; Lawn grasses in dry, shady sites; Lysimachia nummularia - Creeping Jenny;Vinca minor - Periwinkle Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: Tried and True Plant Fact Sheets.