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Sedum
Biting stonecrop (Sedum acre)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Sempervivoideae
Tribe: Sedeae
Genus: Sedum
L.[1]
Type species
Sedum acre
Subgenera
  • Gormania
  • Sedum
Synonyms
List
Floral diagram of Sedum acre
Floral diagram Sedum acre

Sedum is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae, members of which are commonly known as stonecrops. The genus has been described as containing up to 600 species, subsequently reduced to 400–500. They are leaf succulents found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, but extending into the southern hemisphere in Africa and South America. The plants vary from annual and creeping herbs to shrubs. The plants have water-storing leaves. The flowers usually have five petals, seldom four or six. There are typically twice as many stamens as petals. Various species formerly classified as Sedum are now in the segregate genera Hylotelephium and Rhodiola.

Well-known European species of Sedum are Sedum acre, Sedum album, Sedum dasyphyllum, and Sedum hispanicum.

Description

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Sedum is a genus that includes annual, biennial, and perennial herbs. They are characterised by succulent leaves and stems.[2] The extent of morphological diversity and homoplasy make it impossible to characterise Sedum phenotypicaly.[3]

Taxonomy

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Sedum was first formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, with 15 species.[4] Of the genera encompassed by the Crassulaceae family, Sedum is the most species rich, the most morphologically diverse and most complex taxonomically. Historically, it was placed in the subfamily Sedoideae, of which it was the type genus. Of the three modern subfamilies of the Crassulaceae, based on molecular phylogenetics, Sedum is placed in the subfamily Sempervivoideae. Although the genus has been greatly reduced, from about 600[5] to 420–470 species,[6] by forming up to 32 segregate genera,[7] it still constitutes a third of the family and is polyphyletic.[8]

Sedum species are found in four of six major crown clades within subfamily Sempervivoideae of Crassulaceae and are allocated to tribes, as follows:[9]

Clades and tribes within Sempervivoideae
Clade Tribe
Hylotelephium Telephieae
Rhodiola Umbiliceae
Sempervivum Semperviveae
Aeonium Aeonieae
Acre Sedeae
Leucosedum
Note

Clades containing Sedum, shown in blue

In addition, at least nine other distinct genera appear to be nested within Sedum. However, the number of species found outside of the first two clades (Tribe Sedeae) are only a small fraction of the whole genus. Therefore the current circumscription, which is somewhat artificial and catch-all must be considered unstable.[8] The relationships between the tribes of Sempervivoideae is shown in the cladogram.

Cladogram of Sempervivoideae tribes[9]
Sempervivoideae

Telephieae

Umbilicieae

Semperviveae

Aeonieae

Sedeae (Leucosedum+Acre)

There are now thought to be approximately 55 European species in the genus. Sedum demonstrates a wide variation in chromosome numbers, and polyploidy is common. Chromosome number is considered an important taxonomic feature.[10]

Earlier authors placed a number of Sedum species outside of these clades, such as S. spurium, S. stellatum and S. kamtschaticum (Telephium clade),[11] that has been segregated into Phedimus (tribe Umbiliceae).[9][12][13][14] Given the substantial taxonomic challenges presented by this highly polyphyletic genus, a number of radical solutions have been proposed for what is described as the "Sedum problem", all of which would require a substantial number of new combinations within Sempervivoideae. Nikulin and colleagues (2016) have recommended that, given the monophyly of Aeonieae and Semperviveae, species of Sedum outside of the tribe Sedeae (all in subgenus Gormania) be removed from the genus and reallocated. However, this does not resolve the problem of other genera embedded within Sedum, in Sedeae.[8] In the largest published phylogenetic study (2020), the authors propose placing all taxa within Sedeae in genus Sedum, and transferring all other Sedum species in the remaining Sempervivoideae clades to other genera. This expanded Sedum s.l. would comprise about 755 species.[15]

Subdivision

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Linnaeus originally described 15 species, characterised by pentamerous flowers, dividing them into two groups; Planifolia and Teretifolia, based on leaf morphology, with 15 species, and hence bears his name as the botanical authority (L.).[16] By 1828, de Candolle recognized 88 species in six informal groups.[17] Various attempts have been made to subdivide this large genus, in addition to segregating separate genera, including creation of informal groups, sections, series and subgenera. For an extensive history of subfamily Sedoideae, see Ohba 1978.

Gray (1821) divided the 13 species known in Britain at that time into five sections; Rhodiola, Telephium, Sedum, (unnamed) and Aizoon.[18] In 1921, Praeger established ten sections; Rhodiola, Pseudorhodiola, Giraldiina, Telephium, Aizoon, Mexicana, Seda Genuina, Sempervivoides, Epeteium and Telmissa.[19] This was later revised in what is the best known system, that of Berger (1930), who defined 22 subdivisions, which he called Reihe (sections or series).[20] Berger's sections were:

  • Rhodiola
  • Pseudorhodiola
  • Telephium
  • Sedastrum
  • Hasseanthus
  • Lenophyllopsis
  • Populisedum
  • Graptopetalum
  • Monanthella
  • Perrierosedum
  • Pachysedum
  • Dendrosedum
  • Fruticisedum
  • Leptosedum
  • Afrosedum
  • Aizoon
  • Seda genuina
  • Prometheum
  • Cyprosedum
  • Epeteium
  • Sedella
  • Telmissa

A number of these, he further subdivided.[20] In contrast, Fröderströmm (1935) adopted a much broader circumscription of the genus, accepting only Sedum and Pseudosedum within the Sedoideae, dividing the former into 9 sections.[21] Although this was followed by numerous other systems, the most widely accepted infrageneric classification following Berger, was by Ohba (1978).[22] Prior to this, most species in Sedoideae were placed in genus Sedum.[12] Of these systems, it was observed "No really satisfactory basis for the division of the family into genera has yet been proposed".[23]

Some other authors have added other series, and combined some of the series into groups, such as sections.[24] In particular, Sedum section Sedum is divided into series (see Clades) [8][2] More recently, two subgenera have been recognised, Gormania and Sedum.[8]

  • Gormania: (Britton) Clausen. 110 species from Sempervivum, Aeonium and Leucosedum clades. Europe and North America.
  • Sedum: 320 species from Acre clade. Temperate and subtropical zones of Northern hemisphere (Asia and the Americas).[25]

Subgenus Sedum has been considered as three geographically distinct, but equal sized sections:[25]

  • S. sect. Sedum ca. 120 spp. native to Europe, Asia Minor and N. Africa, ranging from N. Africa to central Scandinavia and from Iceland to the Ural Mountains, the Caucasus and Iran.
  • S. sect. Americana Frod.
  • S. sect. Asiatica Frod.

S. sect. Sedum includes 54 species native to Europe, which Berger classified into 27 series.[25]

Clades

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Species and series include[26][27][28][11][9][8][7][29]

Subgenus Gormania
[edit]
Semperviveae
[edit]

Of about 80 Eurasian species, series Rupestria forms a distinct monophyletic group of about ten taxa, which some authors have considered a separate genus, Petrosedum.[31][32][33] It was series 20 in Berger's classification. Native to Europe it has escaped cultivation and become naturalized in North America.[34]

Aeonieae (N Africa)
[edit]

Embedded within series Monanthoidea are three Macaronesian segregate genera, Aichryson, Monanthes and Aeonium.[9]

Sedeae - Leucosedum (Europe/Mediterranean/Near East/Central Asia)
[edit]
  • S. series Aithales (Med)
  • S. series Alba (Med)
  • S. series Alsinefolia All. (Med)
  • S. series Atrata (Med)
  • S. series Brevifolia (Med)
  • S. series Cepaea (Med)
  • S. commixtum Moran & Hutchison
  • S. series Convertifolia (Med)
  • S. series Dasyphylla (Med)
  • S. series Glauco-rubens (Med)
  • S. series Gracile (Med)
  • S. series Hirsuta (Med)

In the Levant, one species of this succulent (S. microcarpum) covers the stony ground like a carpet where the soil is shallow, growing no higher than 5–10 cm. At first, the fleshy leaves are a light green, but as the season progresses, the fleshy leaves turn red.

Europe/Mediterranean/Near East/Central Asia
[edit]
  • Sedum series Inconspicua (Med)
  • S. ince 't Hart & Alpinar
  • S. lydium Boiss.
  • S. microcarpum (Sm.) Schönland
  • S. series Monregalense (Med)
  • S. moranii R.T.Clausen
  • S. series Nana (Med)
  • S. series Pedicellata (Med)
  • S. sedoides (Jacquem. ex Decne.) Pau
  • S. series Steico (Med)
  • S. series Subrosea (Med)
  • S. series Subulata (Med)
  • S. series Telmissa (Med)
  • S. series Tenella (Med)
  • Med = Mediterranean distribution

Embedded within the Leucosedum clade are the following genera: Rosularia, Prometheum, Sedella and Dudleya.[9] Rosularia is paraphyletic, and some Sedum species, such as S. sempervivoides Fischer ex M. Bieberstein are assigned by some authors to Rosularia, as R. sempervivoides (Fischer ex M. Bieberstein) Boriss.[36]

Subgenus Sedum
[edit]
Sedeae - Acre (Asia/Europe/Macaronesia/N. America)
[edit]

Embedded within the Acre clade are the following genera: Villadia, Lenophyllum, Graptopetalum, Thompsonella, Echeveria and Pachyphytum.[9] The species within Acre, can be broadly grouped into two subclades, American/European and Asian.[37][11]

List of selected species

[edit]

Distribution and habitat

[edit]

Distributed mainly in temperate to subtropical climates in the Northern hemisphere, extending to the Southern hemisphere in Africa and South America,[6] being most diverse in the Mediterranean,[28] Central America, Himalayas, and East Asia.[2] In this respect, the two subgenera differ. Subgenus Sedum having a centre of diversity in Mexico, and Gormania in Eurasia with a secondary centre in North America.[28]

Ecology

[edit]

Sedum species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including the grey chi moth. In particular, Sedum spathulifolium is the host plant of the endangered San Bruno elfin butterfly of San Mateo County, California.[citation needed] Sedum lanceolatum is the host plant of the more common Parnassius smintheus found in the Rocky Mountains.[38] As well as Sedum spathulifolium, many other species of Sedum serve the environmental role of host plants for butterflies. For example, the butterfly Callophrys xami uses several species of Sedum, such as Sedum allantoides, for suitable host plants.[39][40]

Uses

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Ornamental

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Many sedums are cultivated as ornamental garden plants, due to their interesting and attractive appearance and hardiness. The various species differ in their requirements; some are cold-hardy but do not tolerate heat, some require heat but do not tolerate cold.

Numerous hybrid cultivars have been developed, of which the following have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:[b]

  • 'Herbstfreude' ('Autumn Joy')[41]
  • 'Bertram Anderson'[42]
  • 'Matrona'[43]
  • 'Ruby Glow'[44]

As food

[edit]

The leaves of most stonecrops are edible,[45] excepting Sedum rubrotinctum, although toxicity has also been reported in some other species.[46] The juice from the stems and leaves may irritate skin if handled excessively.[47]

Sedum reflexum, known as "prickmadam", "stone orpine", or "crooked yellow stonecrop", is occasionally used as a salad leaf or herb in Europe, including the United Kingdom.[48] It has a slightly astringent sour taste.

Sedum divergens, known as "spreading stonecrop", was eaten by First Nations people in northwest British Columbia. The plant is used as a salad herb by the Haida and the Nisga'a people. It is common in the Nass Valley of British Columbia.[49]

Biting stonecrop (Sedum acre) contains high quantities of piperidine alkaloids (namely (+)-sedridine, (−)-sedamine, sedinone and isopelletierine), which give it a sharp, peppery, acrid taste and make it somewhat toxic.

Roofing

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Sedum can be used to provide a roof covering in green roofs,[50][51] where they are preferred to grasses.[52] Examples include Ford's Dearborn, Michigan Truck Plant, which has a living roof with 454,000 square feet (42,200 m2) of sedum.[53] The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars plant in Goodwood, England, has a 242,000 square feet (22,500 m2) roof complex covered in Sedum, the largest in the United Kingdom.[54] Nintendo of America's roof is covered in some 75,000 square feet (7,000 m2) of Sedum.[55] The Javits Center in New York City is covered with 292,000 square feet (27,100 m2) of Sedum.[56]

Green tramway

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Sedum used as ground cover for green tracks

Berlin's Prenzlauer Allee,[57] Le Mans, Bratislava and Warsaw, for example, plant sedum in between rails of some tramways as a low maintenance alternative to grass. This provides beautification, a permeable surface for water management, and noise reduction.[58]

[edit]

Notes

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References

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Bibliography

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Sedum is a large of flowering plants in the family , commonly known as stonecrops, consisting of approximately 420–470 succulent species that are primarily herbaceous perennials, annuals, biennials, or subshrubs. These plants are characterized by their fleshy, water-storing leaves that range from linear to orbiculate and measure 0.1–8 cm in length, often arranged alternately or in rosettes on branched, succulent stems that can reach heights of 0.2–10 dm. Flowers are typically star-shaped with 3–12 petals in , , , , or red, forming dense clusters that attract pollinators. Native mainly to the temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America (with about 41 species), Europe, Asia, and parts of North and East Africa, Sedum species thrive in rocky, well-drained habitats such as mountainsides, cliffs, and dry grasslands, reflecting their common name derived from their affinity for stony environments. Some species extend into subtropical areas of Central America, South America, Iceland, and even Madagascar, showcasing the genus's adaptability to arid and semi-arid conditions. Taxonomically, Sedum is the largest genus in Crassulaceae but has been recognized as polyphyletic through molecular phylogenetic studies, leading to the segregation of several subgroups into distinct genera like Hylotelephium and Rhodiola since the 1990s, though many taxa remain classified under Sedum pending further resolution. Sedum species are widely valued for their ornamental qualities in horticulture, prized for drought tolerance, low maintenance, and versatility as ground covers, border plants, or components in rock gardens and green roofs. Historically, certain species have been used in traditional medicine for treating wounds, burns, and skin ailments due to their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, while some are edible young leaves or stems in moderation. However, a few introduced species, such as Sedum acre, can become invasive in non-native regions, outcompeting local flora in disturbed areas.

Morphology and Description

Vegetative Characteristics

Sedum plants are characterized by their succulent leaves and stems, which are adapted for water storage to endure arid conditions. The leaves are typically fleshy and vary in shape from linear and cylindrical to flat, spatulate, or obovate, measuring 0.1–8 cm in length, and are often arranged alternately, though sometimes opposite or in whorls of three to five. These leaves are usually sessile or petiolate with entire margins and are commonly glabrous, though some species bear minute hairs. For instance, in Sedum acre, the leaves are small, fleshy, and triangular-ovate, contributing to its mat-forming habit. The stems of Sedum exhibit diverse growth patterns, including erect, ascending, procumbent, or creeping forms that are typically much-branched and succulent, with heights ranging from 0.2 dm in low-growing, mat-forming species to over 10 dm in upright perennials. Creeping stems often root at the nodes, facilitating vegetative propagation, while erect stems may develop a woody base in some perennial species. This morphological flexibility allows Sedum to form rosettes, tufts, or dense mats, depending on the species. Root systems in most Sedum species are fibrous and shallow, enabling effective anchorage and uptake in rocky or thin soils. These roots are typically non-woody and spread laterally rather than deeply penetrating the substrate. A key adaptive trait in Sedum is the use of (CAM) photosynthesis, which enhances by allowing CO₂ fixation at night to minimize water loss through . This is particularly evident in species like Sedum acre, a facultative CAM plant that shifts to this pathway under stress. Succulence in leaves and stems supports this physiological , a trait that also informs taxonomic groupings within the genus. Morphological diversity in Sedum spans multiple life forms, including annuals, biennials, herbaceous perennials, and occasionally subshrubs, reflecting adaptations to varied environmental pressures.

Reproductive Structures

The inflorescences of Sedum species are typically terminal or lateral cymose or paniculate clusters, often forming many-flowered thyrses, simple cincinni, pleiochasia, or corymboid structures, though they can be reduced to spikes, racemes, or botryoids in some cases. These arrangements support the small, star-shaped flowers, which are usually 5-merous but vary to 4- or 6-merous in certain . The flowers feature sepals that are broadly sessile, basally united or free, and often spurred, with petals that are free or connate at the base up to three-quarters of their length, spreading or erect, and colored , , , , or other shades excluding ; many include a reddish or dorsal appendage. The androecium comprises (3–)5(–12)-merous stamens, typically 10 in 5-merous flowers, with filaments free or adnate to the petals and variable scales that produce to attract pollinators. The gynoecium consists of superior ovaries with five sessile carpels on a broad base, slightly connate or free, bearing slender, recurved stylodia and sessile stigmas. Fruits in Sedum develop as follicles that are suberect or stellate-patent, splitting longitudinally to release numerous small , though some species produce fewer or even single-seeded nut-like structures. The are ovoid to ellipsoid, with a testa that is typically costate-bipapillate or reticulate-papillate for enhanced dispersal, though smooth in some cases; certain species, such as S. tortuosum, bear long-winged . occurs in some species, particularly polyploid forms in regions like the eastern Himalaya, allowing asexual seed production alongside . Blooming in most temperate Sedum species takes place from summer to fall, with inflorescences emerging between and depending on and . For instance, S. spectabile (now classified as ) displays its prominent starburst flowers in late summer to early fall, often from August to . Chromosomal variation in the genus centers on a base number of x=9, promoting (diploid to higher levels) and hybridization, which contribute to diverse reproductive strategies and . These genetic features enhance adaptability, with polyploids often showing increased vigor in reproductive output.

Taxonomy and Classification

Etymology and Historical Classification

The genus name Sedum derives from the Latin verb sedeo, meaning "to sit," a reference to the plants' characteristic low, mat-forming growth habit that often appears to "sit" upon rocks or the ground. Carl Linnaeus first formalized the genus Sedum in his Species Plantarum in 1753, where he described 15 species and 3 varieties, primarily based on European taxa with succulent leaves and clustered flowers. This initial circumscription placed Sedum within the family Crassulaceae, emphasizing its succulent nature and adaptability to rocky habitats. In the , significantly expanded the genus in his Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis (volume 3, ), incorporating species from diverse regions and grouping them broadly under without strict sectional divisions, reflecting the era's emphasis on natural systems over rigid morphology. This treatment highlighted Sedum's wide morphological variation, including annual and perennial forms. Early 20th-century revisions further refined the classification, with R. Lloyd Praeger's 1921 monograph An Account of the Genus Sedum as Found in Cultivation focusing on Old World species and their horticultural forms, documenting over 200 taxa in cultivation at the time. Alwin Berger's comprehensive 1930 treatment in Das Pflanzenreich (volume 70) organized Sedum into subgenera, sections, and series based on floral and vegetative traits, yet retained a broad circumscription that positioned it as a repository for many Crassulaceae species, earning it a reputation as a "wastebasket" genus.

Phylogenetic Relationships and Subdivision

Molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed that Sedum in its traditional broad sense (Sedum s.l.) is highly polyphyletic, with species distributed across multiple clades within the subfamily Sempervivoideae of Crassulaceae. Many taxa previously included in Sedum have been segregated into distinct genera such as Hylotelephium, Phedimus, and Rhodiola, primarily based on differences in floral morphology and molecular markers like ITS rDNA and plastid sequences (matK, rps16, trnL-trnF). This segregation has reduced the core Sedum sensu stricto (Sedum s.s.) to approximately 400–470 species, largely confined to the Acre and Leucosedum clades of tribe Sedeae. Subdivisions within Sedum s.s. are informed by these phylogenetic analyses, recognizing subgenera such as Gormania—which encompasses North American endemics primarily in the —and Sedum itself, covering a diverse array of Eurasian and American taxa. Sections like Alterna and Sedastrum have been delineated based on 2020 studies integrating morphological and molecular , with Sedastrum often aligning with exhibiting specific and traits in the Acre clade. These subdivisions highlight the genus's morphological plasticity, though they remain tentative pending further resolution. Phylogenetic reconstructions from ITS and plastid DNA analyses identify three primary lineages within Sedum s.s.: Eurasian (predominantly in the Acre clade), American (Leucosedum clade), and African (scattered in basal positions of Sedeae). A comprehensive 2020 study sampling 298 Crassulaceae species proposed an expanded circumscription of Sedum s.l., merging 14 genera of tribe Sedeae into a single genus comprising about 755 taxa to achieve monophyly, though this remains debated due to nomenclatural challenges. Recent updates incorporate newly described species into these frameworks; for instance, Sedum diversiflorum from the Satsunan Islands, , and Sedum yongkangense from , —both described in 2025—align with the Eurasian (Asian) clade based on nrITS and plastid phylogenies showing affinities to East Asian Sedum lineages. Taxonomic instability persists due to frequent hybridization events and the prevalence of cryptic species, complicating delimitation even with advanced molecular tools.

Species Diversity and Selected Examples

The genus Sedum encompasses approximately 487 accepted species worldwide, reflecting its status as the largest genus in the family. Within this broad circumscription (Sedum sensu lato), the core group (Sedum sensu stricto, corresponding to section Sedum genuina) includes about 300 , primarily distributed in . Recent taxonomic discoveries continue to expand the known diversity, such as Sedum simingshanense, a new biennial described from the Siming Mountains in Zhejiang Province, , in 2025, distinguished by its solitary green stems, flattened obovate leaves, and white flowers. High levels of endemism characterize certain regions, with serving as a major center of diversity that hosts 133 , of which 110 are endemic, concentrated in the Mexican Transition Zone where Nearctic and Neotropical elements converge. Similarly, China supports over 100 , with 121 recorded in the Flora of China, including numerous recent additions from southeastern provinces like and , underscoring ongoing in subtropical and mountainous habitats. Notable species illustrate the genus's morphological and ecological range. Sedum acre, known as mossy stonecrop, is a low-growing native to that has become invasive in , forming dense mats in coastal strands and habitats of the and , where it displaces native through rapid vegetative spread. Sedum rosea (now classified as ), historically placed in Sedum, is an arctic-alpine with thick rhizomes and yellowish-green flowers, valued for its adaptogenic properties in across and . Sedum telephium (orpine), a robust Eurasian , features tall stems and pinkish-purple flowers; it has been used medicinally since ancient times for , inflammation reduction, and as a for burns and ulcers due to its anti-inflammatory and . Hybrids are prominent in cultivation, exemplified by Sedum 'Autumn Joy' (Hylotelephium 'Herbstfreude'), a popular perennial resulting from a cross between S. spectabile and S. telephium, prized for its broad flower heads that shift from pale pink to deep rose-red in late summer, attracting pollinators while providing drought-tolerant border interest. Infrageneric variation highlights life history diversity, with annual species like Sedum nanum, a small succulent from temperate regions of Turkey and , completing its cycle in one season through prolific seed production and adapted to arid, rocky soils. In contrast, perennials such as Sedum spurium (Caucasian stonecrop) form evergreen mats with fleshy leaves and pink flowers, persisting for years in sunny, well-drained sites across and widely used as groundcover.

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

The genus Sedum exhibits a primarily Holarctic distribution, spanning the temperate and subtropical zones of the from to Mediterranean and subtropical regions, with a notable absence in and most of . This broad range reflects the genus's adaptability to diverse climates within these areas, encompassing over 400 species worldwide. The core of its native distribution centers on rocky, well-drained s across and , where evolutionary radiations have occurred in response to varying environmental pressures. Centers of highest diversity are concentrated in several key regions: , which hosts approximately 133 species (over 110 endemic, representing nearly a third of the global total); the , where high-altitude drives ; the Mediterranean Basin with around 100 species adapted to xeric conditions; and eastern , including and , featuring numerous localized taxa in mountainous terrains. These hotspots underscore Sedum's evolutionary history tied to orogenic uplift and climatic shifts in these areas, with Mexico standing out as the paramount center of origin and endemism. Beyond native ranges, Sedum has been widely introduced through horticultural trade, establishing populations across and . For instance, S. album, native to , has naturalized and become invasive in parts of the northeastern and , forming dense mats that outcompete local flora in disturbed sites. The genus displays classic Holarctic biogeographic patterns, including disjunct populations between western and eastern , as seen in lineages like the Acre clade, which exhibit parallel radiations across continents.

Environmental Preferences

Sedum species exhibit a broad tolerance for cool temperate to Mediterranean climates, with many thriving in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9, reflecting their ability to withstand cold winters and moderate summers. These plants demonstrate exceptional , enabling survival in semi-arid steppes and other xeric conditions where water availability is limited. Their climatic adaptability stems from physiological traits that minimize water loss, allowing populations to persist in regions with irregular precipitation patterns. In terms of , Sedum prefers well-drained, rocky, or sandy substrates with neutral to slightly alkaline , as these conditions prevent and mimic their natural oligotrophic environments. They show a strong aversion to waterlogged or heavy clay soils, which can lead to fungal issues and reduced vigor. This preference for porous media supports efficient nutrient uptake in low-fertility settings, contributing to their widespread success in disturbed or marginal sites. Sedum occupies diverse microhabitats, including rock crevices, cliff faces, screes, and alpine meadows, where they exploit mineral-rich cracks for anchorage and minimal competition. In tropical regions, certain species such as Sedum epidendrum adopt an epiphytic lifestyle, growing on tree branches or epiphytes in humid subtropical biomes. These habitats highlight their rupicolous nature, with adaptations like succulence for water storage and shallow systems that penetrate thin layers in xeric environments. For instance, Sedum ternatum favors shaded edges with moist, ledges, contrasting with Sedum lanceolatum, which dominates open, sunny exposures on dry mountain outcrops. Under ongoing , some montane Sedum populations are experiencing upward range shifts in mountainous regions, driven by rising temperatures that alter suitable elevational bands and increase stress at lower altitudes. Studies on species like Sedum lanceolatum indicate potential demographic vulnerabilities to experimental warming, underscoring the need to monitor these migrations for conservation implications.

Ecology

Pollination and Dispersal

Sedum species exhibit primarily entomophilous pollination, relying on insects such as bees, flies, and butterflies to transfer pollen between flowers. The small, star-shaped flowers produce abundant nectar and pollen, attracting a range of pollinators including honeybees (Apis mellifera), bumblebees (Bombus spp.), leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.), and smaller native bees like sweat bees (Lasioglossum spp.) and masked bees (Hylaeus spp.). For instance, Sedum pulchellum draws native bees such as Andrena species and soldier flies (Nemotelus bruesii), which visit its rosy-purple flowers for pollen and nectar rewards. Wind pollination is rare in the genus, as floral structures lack adaptations like lightweight pollen or exposed anthers typical of anemophilous plants. Most Sedum species are self-compatible, allowing autogamy, but they predominantly engage in outcrossing to promote genetic diversity, facilitated by pollinator movement. Breeding systems vary across the genus, combining sexual reproduction with asexual mechanisms, including apomixis in certain polyploid taxa. Polyploidy, common in Sedum, often enables facultative apomixis, where unreduced embryo sacs develop without meiosis, leading to clonal seeds, enhancing reproductive assurance in isolated habitats. In Sedum sediforme, sexual reproduction predominates via the monosporic Polygonum-type embryo sac. Seed dispersal in Sedum primarily occurs through anemochory, with tiny, lightweight seeds adapted for wind transport, often released from dehiscent follicles in late summer or fall. Some species exhibit zoochory, where seeds adhere to bird feathers or pass through digestive tracts, aiding long-distance spread. Vegetative propagation via stem or leaf fragments further facilitates local dispersal, as detached pieces root readily in suitable substrates, allowing rapid colonization. Flowering phenology in Sedum is often synchronous within populations, aligning bloom times to coincide with peak activity and maximize visitation rates. This temporal coordination, observed in like Sedum hispanicum, supports efficiency while accommodating variable environmental cues such as and day length.

Interactions with Fauna and Ecosystems

Sedum species interact with fauna primarily through herbivory, where their succulent leaves serve as a food source for various . For instance, the larvae of the (lilac-bordered copper) feed on Sedum spathulifolium, using it as a primary host plant in rocky habitats of western . Other caterpillars, including those of nocturnal moths like polyphagous macromoths and monophagous micromoths, consume Sedum foliage on green roofs, as identified through gut content metabarcoding. To deter such herbivory, many Sedum produce chemical defenses, including alkaloids at concentrations around 0.03% in leaves of Sedum maximum, which can be toxic to non-adapted unless detoxified. Sedum engages in mutualistic relationships that enhance its survival and contribute to ecosystem dynamics. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form symbiotic associations with roots of species like Sedum acre, facilitating nutrient uptake—particularly phosphorus—in nutrient-poor soils by exchanging fungal-acquired minerals for plant carbohydrates. In arid and semi-arid environments, Sedum acts as a nurse plant, ameliorating stress for neighboring species; for example, Sedum cools soil surfaces during water deficits on green roofs, reducing temperatures by up to 5–10°C and improving growth of associated plants through shading and moisture retention. Sedum provides key ecosystem services, including and . Its dense, fibrous root systems bind soil on slopes, preventing in rocky or disturbed areas, with like creeping sedum effectively holding substrates in place during heavy rainfall. On extensive green roofs dominated by Sedum, aboveground sequesters carbon at rates of 0.11–0.36 kg C/ over several years, contributing to urban mitigation of atmospheric CO₂. Certain Sedum also serve as indicators of habitat health in stressful environments, such as rocky outcrops, where their presence signals stable, low-nutrient conditions supportive of specialized flora and fauna. However, some Sedum introductions have invasive impacts. , originally from , forms dense mats in North American grasslands and coastal areas, outcompeting native vegetation by rapid vegetative spread and seed production, which reduces availability for local . This invasion alters communities, as the uniform Sedum cover diminishes plant diversity and prey resources, leading to shifts in abundance and composition similar to those observed in other invasive-dominated grasslands. In ecosystems, species like Sedum integrifolium contribute to by providing low cover that supports ground-nesting birds, such as ptarmigan, through stable microhabitats amid sparse vegetation.

Cultivation and Uses

Ornamental Applications

Sedum species and their cultivars are prized in ornamental horticulture for their versatility, succulence, and adaptability to challenging conditions, making them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. Low-growing varieties, such as Sedum acre (goldmoss stonecrop), function effectively as groundcovers in rock gardens, slopes, and borders, where their dense mats suppress weeds and require minimal watering once established. Taller types, like Sedum spectabile, provide vertical interest in perennial beds with clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink, or red, blooming from late summer into fall to support pollinators. Their drought tolerance stems from water-storing leaves, allowing them to thrive in xeriscaping designs that conserve water, a modern trend emphasizing sustainable gardening. Numerous hybrids and cultivars enhance ornamental appeal through diverse foliage colors, growth habits, and seasonal changes. For instance, Sedum 'Dragon's Blood' (S. spurium hybrid) offers striking burgundy-red leaves and pink flowers, ideal for edging pathways or cascading over retaining walls in sunny, dry sites. Similarly, Sedum 'Brilliant' (S. spectabile hybrid) features upright clumps with light green foliage topped by carmine-pink blooms that mature to rust-red in autumn, providing extended fall color. These selections trace back to Victorian-era gardening, where sedums were staples in rockeries and alpine plantings for their ability to "sit" in crevices, as the Latin sedum implies, originating from 19th-century collector interests. Propagation is straightforward via stem cuttings, which root readily in well-drained soil, or by division of clumps in spring or fall to maintain vigor. Most sedums exhibit broad hardiness, thriving in USDA zones 3 to 9, though some tender cultivars suit zones 9 to 11 in warmer climates. They pair well with ornamental grasses or alpine perennials in mixed borders, enhancing texture without competing for resources due to their shallow roots. However, challenges include susceptibility to from overwatering or poor drainage, which can cause and decline, and occasional infestations of mealybugs on stems, managed through cultural practices like ensuring air circulation and targeted insecticidal soaps.

Culinary and Medicinal Uses

Several species of Sedum are employed in culinary contexts, primarily for their edible young leaves and shoots, which provide a crisp texture and mild, slightly tangy flavor. The young leaves of Sedum reflexum are commonly added to salads or cooked in soups, serving as a spinach substitute in traditional preparations, though consumption in large quantities may cause stomach upsets. Similarly, the young leaves of Sedum acre have been traditionally used sparingly as a spicy condiment or incorporated into pickles, though its edibility is debated due to potential irritants; caution is advised. These species boast a high vitamin C content, making them a nutritious addition to meals, with levels comparable to common greens. Sedum has featured in European folk for centuries, where leaves and stems were harvested from the wild for soups, salads, and infusions, reflecting their accessibility in rocky terrains. Contemporary guides highlight sustainable collection of Sedum varieties, promoting them as versatile ingredients in modern wild food recipes while stressing identification to avoid toxic look-alikes. In , Sedum species offer notable therapeutic potential. Sedum telephium possesses properties, traditionally applied as poultices to soothe wounds, burns, and localized swelling by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Extracts from Sedum album demonstrate effects against various , supporting historical uses for treating infections and skin conditions. A prominent cultural example is in Korean traditional medicine, where the whole plant is used to manage chronic , with research validating its antiproliferative activity against virus-related liver cells. While beneficial, Sedum consumption requires caution due to potential irritants; some species contain alkaloids and that may cause skin irritation or gastrointestinal upset, necessitating moderation to prevent adverse effects.

Architectural and Ecological Uses

Sedum species are widely utilized in extensive green roof systems due to their low-growing habit, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in shallow substrates. These systems typically employ pre-grown Sedum mats or plugs, achieving rapid coverage through species like Sedum album and Sedum reflexum. In such setups, Sedum contributes to thermal insulation by reducing heat transfer through the building envelope, with studies indicating energy savings of 5-10% for heating and cooling in urban environments, depending on climate and design. Additionally, Sedum-vegetated roofs enhance stormwater retention, capturing 70-80% of summer rainfall and delaying peak runoff, thereby alleviating urban drainage pressures. A prominent example is the Ford River Rouge Truck Plant in , where a 454,000 (approximately 42,000 m²) was installed in 2000, covering 10.4 acres with drought-resistant succulents, holding up to 1 inch (25 mm) of rainfall and thereby reducing runoff. In , standards such as those outlined in the Green Roof Organisation (GRO) Code recommend Sedum blankets with mixes of at least 9 species for extensive roofs, typically with saturated weights under 80-100 kg/m² for lightweight sedum systems that meet building regulations for wind uplift and fire resistance. These mats, often on biodegradable bases, facilitate rapid installation by unrolling like , promoting root establishment within weeks. Beyond roofs, Sedum is applied in green tramway infrastructure for and environmental integration. In , , over 2,000 meters of tracks were vegetated with Sedum, where plants stabilize and prevent along urban rail corridors, while improving drainage and reducing noise emissions by up to 5 dB. This approach, covering about 10% of 's 676 km of green tracks with Sedum, enhances track longevity by minimizing vibration-induced wear. Ecologically, Sedum-based boosts urban by providing sources for pollinators and for , with roofs supporting 10-15 per square meter. It mitigates the effect, lowering roof surface temperatures by 20-30°C compared to conventional asphalt, thus reducing ambient air temperatures by 1-2°C in dense cities. For carbon storage, extensive Sedum roofs sequester approximately 0.16-0.37 kg C/m² in and substrate over their lifespan, equating to an annual uptake of 0.05-0.1 kg C/m² (or 0.18-0.37 kg CO₂/m²) based on net exchange measurements. Recent innovations include combining Sedum green roofs with photovoltaic panels, improving production by 5-15% through cooling effects (as of 2024). Implementation of Sedum systems emphasizes pre-grown for immediate coverage and minimal site disruption, with mats achieving 90% in 4-6 weeks post-installation. is low, involving initial (every 7-10 days until rooted) and annual weeding or fertilization with slow-release nutrients to sustain vigor without promoting weeds. Sedum's succulent morphology enables prolonged resistance, requiring no routine watering after the first year in temperate climates.

Conservation

Status and Threats

Several Sedum species have been assessed as threatened using IUCN Red List criteria in recent scientific publications evaluating over 50 taxa, with approximately 10-20% classified as such. While few are officially listed on the global , regional and preliminary assessments highlight conservation concerns. For instance, Sedum shunhuangense, endemic to Province in , is assessed as Endangered (EN) due to its small population of about 200 individuals and restricted habitat on cliffs. Similarly, Sedum moniliforme from northwest , , is categorized as Vulnerable (VU) owing to its limited area of occupancy and fragmented populations in rocky scrublands. Other examples include Sedum ichangensis (EN, , ) and Sedum yongkangense (VU, , ), highlighting risks in East Asian hotspots. Most assessments occur at national or species description levels, with global IUCN coverage limited. Primary threats to Sedum species stem from anthropogenic habitat destruction, including urbanization, agriculture, and infrastructure development, which fragment rocky outcrops and cliff habitats essential for these succulents. Climate change poses an additional risk by altering precipitation patterns and temperatures in alpine and montane niches, potentially shifting suitable ranges upward and leading to local extirpations, as observed in high-elevation species like Sedum nevii in the southeastern United States. Competition from invasive species further exacerbates declines; for example, Sedum album, native to Europe but introduced elsewhere, forms dense mats that outcompete native flora in North American rock gardens and natural areas. Regional concerns are pronounced for Mexican endemics, where mining activities degrade succulent-rich habitats; Sedum moniliforme populations are particularly vulnerable to quarry expansion and soil contamination in Michoacán. In Europe, while most Sedum are native, introduced varieties of Sedum album threaten local biodiversity by invading grasslands and displacing rarer stonecrops. Population trends show declines in various monitored species due to these threats, including for taxa like Sedum nevii owing to habitat loss and climate impacts. Citizen science platforms such as facilitate monitoring of rare Sedum species, enabling detection of new populations—such as a 2025 discovery of Sedum leibergii in Washington's Yakima Canyon—and tracking distribution shifts in real-time.

Protection Efforts

Several Sedum species benefit from inclusion in protected areas to safeguard their habitats. For instance, Sedum nevii is found on protected lands within the in , where management efforts focus on preserving limestone cedar glades. Similarly, Sedum integrifolium subsp. leedyi, known as Leedy's roseroot, occurs in protected cliff habitats in and New York, supported by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recovery plan that emphasizes habitat protection and population monitoring. These areas help mitigate threats like while allowing natural processes to sustain the species. Restoration initiatives for Sedum include targeted plantings and reintroduction efforts. In 2025, as part of the EU-LIFE Apollo2020 project, extensive planting of Sedum species was conducted in Lofer, Austria, to restore habitats for the Parnassius apollo butterfly, enhancing biodiversity in alpine regions. Additionally, seed banking supports ex situ conservation; while specific Sedum collections in large banks like the Millennium Seed Bank are part of broader native plant preservation, regional programs such as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Seed Bank store seeds of native Sedum for potential restoration in Texas ecosystems. Reintroduction has also succeeded for related taxa, with Rhodiola integrifolia subsp. leedyi (formerly classified under Sedum) translocated to new sites in New York by Cornell Botanic Gardens in 2022. Ongoing research aids Sedum conservation through genetic analyses. A 2025 study sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of Sedum lushanense, highlighting its potential for ex situ strategies amid habitat loss in China. Similarly, 2024 genomic research on intraspecific variation in three Sedum species provided insights into plastome evolution, informing breeding for resilience. Botanic garden programs contribute significantly; the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, maintains living collections of threatened succulents, including Sedum taxa documented in their Plants of the World Online database, supporting propagation and global conservation networks. Policy frameworks provide legal safeguards for Sedum. Under the EU Habitats Directive, alpine species like Sedum atratum are protected within habitats (code 6170), requiring special areas of conservation to maintain favorable status. Sedum lagascae also receives in siliceous habitats (code 8110). For invasive Sedum, management protocols include hand-pulling in sensitive ecosystems, as demonstrated in long-term studies showing minimal regrowth post-removal. Community involvement enhances Sedum monitoring through . Projects on green roofs track interactions with Sedum, using camera systems to document activity and support urban assessments. Foraging regulations emphasize sustainable practices, such as limiting collection to abundant populations and obtaining permissions on public lands, to prevent overharvesting of edible Sedum species like .

References

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