Pacific Stonecrop
Sedum divergens
Family: Crassulaceae
What it is like
Sedum divergens is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Rocky slopes in mountains. Alpine to sub-alpine rocky ledges, ridges and talus slopes.
Western N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - raw or cooked. The leaves are very small and round, looking rather like a small green berry. They have a crisp texture and were valued as a food by some North American Indian tribes who would eat them raw.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant has been used in the treatment of piles and has been given to children as a laxative.
Antihaemorrhoidal: Treats haemorrhoids (piles). This would probably be best added to another heading.
Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in most soils but prefers a fertile well-drained soil and requires a sunny position. Established plants are drought tolerant. All members of this genus are said to have edible leaves, though those species, such as this one, that have yellow flowers can cause stomach upsets if they are eaten in quantity. Plants in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in spring in well-drained soil in a sunny position in a greenhouse. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. If sufficient growth is made, it is possible to plant them out during the summer, otherwise keep them in a cold-frame or greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in early summer of the following year. Division is very easy and can be carried out at almost any time in the growing season, though is probably best done in spring or early summer. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Although not poisonous, if large quantities of this plant are eaten it can cause a stomach upset.