Sedum Spathulifolium

''Sedum spathulifolium'' is a species of flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae known by the common names broadleaf stonecrop, yellow stonecrop, and spoon-leaved stonecrop. An evergreen perennial, it is native to western North America from British Columbia to southern California, where it can be found often in shade in many types of rocky habitat in coastal and inland hills and mountains.

Description

In general, ''Sedum spathulifolium'' is a succulent plant producing mats of basal rosettes from a system of rhizomes. The basal leaves are 1 or 2 centimeters long. They are sometimes coated in a waxy, powdery looking exudate. The inflorescence is a short, erect array of many small flowers with five yellow petals. When in fruit, the five carpels are separate at the apex and connected at base.

Etymology

The specific epithet ''spathulifolium'' refers to the spade-shaped leaves.

Taxonomy

''Sedum spathulifolium'' is a widespread stonecrop species exhibiting highly variable morphologies throughout its distribution range. While some early literature such as Clausen and Uhl (1944) recognized three subspecies, more recent literature and databases such as the Flora of North America and Plants of the World Online recognized only two varieties.

Clausen and Uhl (1944):
* ''Sedum spathulifolium'' subsp. ''pruinosum'' (Britton) Clausen & Uhl Foliage often present on both the flowering branch and the basal rosette, typically heavily pruinose (covered by a layer of white, waxy powder) and are thicker (0.2-0.3 cm).
* ''Sedum spathulifolium'' subsp. ''typicum'' Foliage often restricted to the basal rosette part, typically green or glaucous (not pruinose) and are thinner (1.4-2.1mm). Flower larger than that of subsp. ''anomalum'' (0.8-1.7 cm in diameter).
* ''Sedum spathulifolium'' subsp. ''anomalum'' (Britton) Clausen & Uhl Foliage often restricted to the basal rosette part and devoid of white, waxy, powdery covering; margin slightly wavy. Flowers smaller than that of subsp. ''typicum'' (0.7-1.1 cm in diameter).

Flora of America:
* ''Sedum spathulifolium'' var. ''pruinosum'' (Britton) B.Bolivin Primary rosette narrower in diameter (1.5-2.1 cm). Foliage typically covered by a thick layer of white powdery waxy overcast and are thicker (2.1-2.5mm). Flowers slightly larger in diameter (1-1.2 cm)
* ''Sedum spathulifolium'' var. ''spathulifolium'' Primary rosette wider in diameter (2.5-3.7 cm). Foliage typically green or glaucous (do not have a thick white powdery waxy powdery covering) and are thinner (1.4-2.1mm). Flowers slightly larger in diameter (1.2-1.6 cm).

Cultivation

This plant is useful as ornamental groundcover in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. It dislikes winter wet. Numerous cultivars have been selected for garden use, of which 'Cape Blanco' and 'Purpureum' have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

See also

* San Bruno elfin butterfly - ''host plant''

References

External links

Jepson Manual Treatment - ''Sedum spathulifolium''USDA Plants Profile: ''Sedum spathulifolium''Flora of North America: ''Sedum spathulifolium''Washington Burke Museum - ''Sedum spathulifolium''''Sedum spathulifolium'' - U.C. Photo gallery

{{Taxonbar, from=Q7445441

spathulifolium
Flora of British Columbia
Flora of Oregon
Flora of California
Flora of the Cascade Range
Flora of the Klamath Mountains
Flora of the Sierra Nevada (United States)
Natural history of the California chaparral and woodlands
Natural history of the California Coast Ranges
Natural history of the San Francisco Bay Area
Natural history of the Santa Monica Mountains
Natural history of the Transverse Ranges
Butterfly food plants
Flora without expected TNC conservation status