Sedum: Stonecrop
When combined with their diminutive stature and sturdy nature, the bright flowers and varying textures of native stonecrop are best enjoyed up close and personal—making them an excellent choice for planting near seating areas in the garden.
Plant care & info
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Sedum
Common Name: Stonecrop
Depending on species, native Sedum can be found at the coast, from low elevation to alpine, on both sides of the Cascades. There are approximately fourteen species native to the northwestern region.
Low-growing and often mat-forming with small, fleshy leaves. Star-shaped flowers cluster above the foliage.
Not all Sedum require full sun and dry conditions. That said, they all require some sun and good drainage in order to thrive.
In general, Sedums are relatively pest and disease-free. They are only prone to some fungal diseases if not given proper drainage.
There are several species of stonecrop that are native to Oregon. Many are not readily available in local nurseries, but there are still options for nearly every garden setting that are worth seeking out.
Many are evergreen, and those that are native west of the Cascades tend to be mat-forming. Some can be aggressive, but those with broader, more spatula-shaped leaves are less so than those with narrower, more pointed leaves. Sedums that are native to higher-elevations and drier conditions tend to be found tucked into rocky crevices, making them better candidates for winter-dry containers or quick-draining rock gardens.
Native Sedum flowers come in various shades of yellow, starry clusters held a bit above the foliage. All are fairly low-maintenance and carefree to grow, given some water and proper drainage.
Explore More Native Stonecrop
Oregon Stonecrop
Sedum oreganum: Oregon Stonecrop
Tight, small green clusters of egg-to-spoon-shaped evergreen leaves are topped with small clusters of yellow, starry flowers in summer. Grows in full sun to partial shade and regularly moist to dry conditions. Native west of the Cascades, all the way to the coast.
Broad-leaved Stonecrop
Sedum spathulifolium: Broad-leaved Stonecrop
Growing from thick rhizomes, the rosettes of small flat leaves vary in color from gray to sage green, and sometimes red—but all are coated with a bluish cast which is unique among the native Sedum. I can perform well in full sun to partial shade, and can take somewhat drier, rockier conditions than S. oreganum.
Wormleaf Stonecrop
Sedum stenopetalum: Narrow-leaved Sedum, Wormleaf Stonecrop
This stonecrop is native to both sides of the Cascades, but in drier, higher-elevation conditions. Also mostly evergreen, the leaves are narrow and arranged on short, ascending stems—rather than being broad and mat-forming. This Sedum is adaptable to crevices in rock walls and the space between stepping stones. It prefers well-drained and drier soil. The starry clusters of flowers that top the small stems are likewise smaller and less showy. Overall, it is a sweet, diminutive specimen.
Cascade Stonecrop
Sedum divergens: Cascade Stonecrop
A sedum of rocky mid-elevation to subalpine areas along the Cascade and Siskiyou mountain areas. The golden, more singular star shaped flowers are held above tiny clusters of succulent oval leaves that are green when young, turning bright red when older; looking a bit like strings of jelly beans. This evergreen stonecrop spreads readily, rooting where stem tips touch the ground.
Find Natives for your garden
We offer a great selection of Northwest Natives from spring through fall. The plants featured are highlighted favorites, but they do not represent ALL of the plants we carry. For a more complete list, see our Northwest Native Plant List.
