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Everything about Sedum totally explained


   
Sedum is the large stonecrop genus of the Crassulaceae, representing about 400 species of leaf succulents, found throughout the northern hemisphere, varying from annual groundcovers to shrubs. The plants have water-storing leaves and a typical form of blossom with five petals, seldom four or six. There are typically twice as many stamens as petals.
   Well known European Sedums are Sedum acre, Sedum album, Sedum dasyphyllum, Sedum reflexum (also known as Sedum rupestre) and Sedum hispanicum.
   Many sedums are extensively cultivated as garden plants, due to their interesting and attractive appearance and hardiness. The various species differ in their requirements; some are cold-hardy but don't tolerate heat, some require heat but don't tolerate cold. They are preferred to grass for green roofs, popular in Germany and some other countries. Sedum species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Grey Chi. In particular, Sedum spathifolium is the host plant of the endangered San Bruno elfin butterfly of San Mateo County, California.

Edibility and toxicity

Sedum reflexum, known as "prickmadam", "stone orpine" or "crooked yellow stonecrop", is occasionally used as a salad leaf or herb in Europe (incl. the United Kingdom) (External Link). It has a slightly astringent sour taste Sedum acre ("biting stonecrop") on the other hand contains high quantities of piperidine alkaloids (namely (+)-sedridine, (-)-sedamine, sedinone and isopelletierine) which give it a sharp, peppery and acrid taste and make it somewhat toxic. Depending on the amount consumed, irritations of the mucous membranes, cramps and paralysis, including respiratory paralysis may ensue. In ancient Greece, biting stonecrop was used to treat epilepsy and skin diseases, as well as to cause abortions.

Sedum roofing

Sedum can be used to provide a roof covering in green roofs.

Species

Now in Dudleya:
  • Dudleya caespitosa (Sea Lettuce), formerly Sedum cotyledon
  • Dudleya edulis (Fingertips), formerly Sedum edule Now in Hylotelephium:
  • Hylotelephium spectabile (Iceplant, Butterfly Stonecrop), formerly Sedum spectabile
  • Hylotelephium telephium (Orpine, Livelong, Witch's Moneybags), formerly Sedum carpaticum, Sedum fabaria or Sedum telephium Now in Rhodiola:
  • Rhodiola rhodantha (rose crown, queen's crown), formerly Sedum rhodanthum
  • Rhodiola rosea (Roseroot), formerly Sedum rosea, Sedum rhodiola or Sedum scopoliiFurther Information

    Get more info on 'Sedum'.


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