Spearleaf Stonecrop, Subalpine stonecrop
Sedum lanceolatum

Family: Crassulaceae

What it is like

Sedum lanceolatum 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. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Open exposed places, usually on rocks or on gravelly or rocky soil from sea-level to the sub-alpine zone.

North-western N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves - raw or cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant is laxative. An infusion of the stems, leaves and flowers has been taken to clean out the womb after childbirth.

Birthing aid: Used in facilitating birth, but not just to cause uterine contrctions.

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 in a sunny position. Established plants are drought tolerant. Succeeds when grown on a wall. Hardy to at least -15°c. A very polymorphic species, it is closely related to S. stenopetalum, but this species is not creeping. 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; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

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.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Sedum lanceolatum is a basionym of: Amerosedum lanceolatum (Torrey) Á.Löve & D.Löve Taxon 34(2): 350