Annual stonecrop (Sedum annuum, Sp. Pl.: 432 (1753))

Family: Crassulaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 432 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sedum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to NW. Iran

Description

Annual stonecrop, known scientifically as Sedum annuum, is a notable species within the diverse Crassulaceae family. First described in Carl Linnaeus’ seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, Sedum annuum has a well-documented history in botanical literature.

This diminutive and hardy succulent is indigenous to a broad geographic range, spanning from various regions in Europe to the northwestern areas of Iran. Its adaptability to different environments is a testament to its resilience, thriving in both rocky terrains and sandy soils where other plant species might struggle to gain a foothold.

Characterized by its small, fleshy leaves and vibrant yellow star-shaped flowers, the annual stonecrop is not just a functional groundcover but also an attractive addition to rock gardens and garden borders. The plant’s compact growth habit and tolerance for poor soils make it a favorite among gardeners looking for low-maintenance yet visually appealing options.

Sedum annuum is an annual species, completing its life cycle within a single growing season. This rapid life cycle allows it to quickly colonize open spaces, often forming dense mats of greenery that can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

In addition to its horticultural appeal, annual stonecrop also plays an important ecological role. It provides a valuable source of nectar for a variety of pollinators during its blooming period, thereby contributing to the local biodiversity.

Overall, the annual stonecrop is much more than just a humble succulent; it is a versatile and resilient plant with a significant role in both natural and cultivated landscapes across its native range.

Common Names

Deu: einjährige fetthenne
Eng: annual stonecrop
Nor: hvid-bergknop, kantknopper
Fin: kesämaksaruoho
Swe: kesämaksaruoho, liten fetknopp
Ces: rozchodník ro
Nob: småbergknapp
Nno: småbergknapp
Fra: orpin annuel
Sme: uhcabullelasta, geaseburšelasta, uhcabulljelasta, uhcabullálasta
En: Annual stonecrop
Ca: Crespinell anual
Cs: Rozchodník ro
Nl: Eenjarig Vetkruid
Fi: Kesämaksaruoho
Fr: Orpin annuel
De: Einjährige Fetthenne, Einjähriger Mauerpfeffer
It: Borracina annua
Se: Uhcabullelasta, Geaseburšelasta, Uhcabulljelasta, Uhcabullálasta
No: Hvid-bergknop, Kantknopper
Nb: Småbergknapp
Nn: Småbergknapp
Sv: Kesämaksaruoho, Liten fetknopp

Synonyms

• Etiosedum annuum ((L.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Greenland (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 30, 2011 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2022 by #MaryKingfishers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2016 by Szabolcs Frater (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 27, 2016 by Szabolcs Frater (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 3, 2021 by periutz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2020 by Hans Farjon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2022 by Shawn McDougall (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2022 by Shawn McDougall (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2022 by Shawn McDougall (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 30, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Claude FIGUREAU (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5362038)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:284811-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sedum annuum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]