Sedum spathulifolium explained

Sedum spathulifolium is a species of flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae known by the common names broadleaf stonecrop, yellow stonecrop,^[1] and spoon-leaved stonecrop.^[2] 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.^[1]

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.^[3]

Etymology

The specific epithet spathulifolium refers to the spade-shaped leaves.^[4]

Taxonomy

Sedum spathulifolium is a widespread stonecrop species exhibiting highly variable morphologies throughout its distribution range.^[5] While some early literature such as Clausen and Uhl (1944) recognized three subspecies,^[6] more recent literature and databases such as the Flora of North America and Plants of the World Online^[7] 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.^[8] Numerous cultivars have been selected for garden use, of which 'Cape Blanco'^[9] and 'Purpureum'^[10] have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[11]

See also

• San Bruno elfin butterfly - host plant

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

Notes and References

1. Web site: Yellow Stonecrop . California Native Plant Society . Calscape . 22 February 2021.
2. Web site: RHS Gardening: Sedum spathulifolium, spoon-leaved stonecrop.
3. Web site: Sedum spathulifolium in Flora of North America @ efloras.org . www.efloras.org.
4. Book: Harrison, Lorraine. RHS Latin for gardeners. 2012. Mitchell Beazley. United Kingdom. 9781845337315. 224.
5. Zika . Peter F. . Wilson . Barbara L. . Brainerd . Richard E. . Otting . Nick . Darington . Steven . Knaus . Brian J. . Nelson . Julie Kierstead . A review of Sedum section Gormania (Crassulaceae) in western North America . Phytotaxa . 10 September 2018 . 368 . 1 . 1 . 10.11646/phytotaxa.368.1.1. 91923614 .
6. Clausen . Robert T. . Uhl . Charles H. . The Taxonomy and Cytology of the Subgenus Gormania of Sedum . Madroño . 1944 . 7 . 6 . 161–180 . 41422504 . 0024-9637.
7. Web site: Sedum spathulifolium Hook. Plants of the World Online Kew Science . Plants of the World Online . en.
8. Book: RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. 2008. Dorling Kindersley. United Kingdom. 978-1405332965. 1136.
9. Web site: RHS Plant Selector - Sedum spathulifolium . 5 March 2021.
10. Web site: Sedum spathulifolium 'Purpureum' . RHS . 5 March 2021.
11. Web site: AGM Plants - Ornamental . July 2017 . 96 . Royal Horticultural Society . 8 November 2018.