Family: Crassulaceae
Author: Vill.
Bibliography: Prosp. Hist. Pl. Dauphiné: 49 (1779)
Year: 1779
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Sedum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe to N. Türkiye
Description
Alpine stonecrop, scientifically known as Sedum alpestre, is an intriguing and resilient member of the Crassulaceae family. First noted in the botanical literature Prosp. Hist. Pl. Dauphiné in 1779 by the botanist Vill., this plant has captured the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts for centuries.
The Alpine stonecrop is native to a wide geographic range stretching from Europe to Northern Türkiye. This extensive distribution exemplifies the plant’s adaptability to various alpine and subalpine environments. The harsh conditions of these regions, characterized by rocky terrains and challenging weather patterns, have shaped the unique attributes of this species.
As a succulent, Sedum alpestre embodies the hallmark traits of its family. It has evolved to store water in its fleshy leaves, allowing it to survive in arid conditions where other plants might struggle. This quality makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens and other xeriscaping projects.
In terms of appearance, the Alpine stonecrop is a low-growing plant that often forms dense mats of greenery. Its leaves are typically small, tightly packed, and may exhibit a delightful range of colors from green to reddish hues, particularly in response to environmental stressors such as cold temperatures or high sunlight exposure. During the blooming season, it produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers, which are usually yellow and add a splash of vibrant color to its otherwise understated foliage.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Sedum alpestre plays a crucial role in its native ecosystems. It helps stabilize soil in rocky habitats, preventing erosion. Moreover, its flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits.
In cultivation, Alpine stonecrop is valued not only for its hardiness but also for its minimal maintenance requirements. It thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys full sun to partial shade conditions. Gardeners often appreciate its ability to resist drought and its low susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Overall, Sedum alpestre is a fascinating plant that exemplifies the resilience and beauty of alpine flora. Its ability to thrive in tough environments, coupled with its attractive appearance and ecological benefits, makes it a noteworthy species within the Crassulaceae family and a beloved choice for gardeners looking to bring a touch of the alpine landscape to their spaces.
Common Names
Deu: alpen-fetthenne
En: Alpine Stonecrop
Ca: Crespinell alpestre
Fr: Orpin alpestre, Orpin des Alpes
De: Alpen-Fetthenne, Alpen Mauerpfeffer, Alpen-Mauerpfeffer
It: Borracina alpestre
: Alpine stonecrop
Synonyms
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Corse (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Jul 13, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 13, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 28, 2016 by furs (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2021 by KS Mariusz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 3, 2021 by KS Mariusz (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 6, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Fabien Anthelme (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 21, 2020 by Mario Mantovani (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2017 by Reinhard Bachmann (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 4, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 1999 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7334006)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:275031-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sedum alpestre Vill.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 5.0
Ph minimum: 4.5
Light: 7
Atmospheric humidity: 6
Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]
Soil nutriments: 2