Red stonecrop (Sedum rubens, Sp. Pl.: 432 (1753))

Family: Crassulaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 432 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sedum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canary Is., Europe to Medit. and Iran, W. Eritrea

Description

Red stonecrop, with its scientific name Sedum rubens, is a captivating succulent belonging to the Crassulaceae family. This resilient plant is noted for its adaptability and can be found across a wide geographic range, including the Canary Islands, stretching through Europe to the Mediterranean and Iran, and even in Western Eritrea.

Originally classified in the esteemed botanical work Species Plantarum in 1753, thanks to the efforts of the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this species boasts a rich botanical history. The plant’s distribution across such diverse regions speaks to its versatile nature and the variety of habitats it can thrive in.

Red stonecrop typically forms low-growing, mat-like structures with small, fleshy leaves that are often tinged with a reddish hue, especially when exposed to high light intensity. This characteristic not only makes it an attractive addition to rock gardens and green roofs but also indicates its ability to endure periods of drought and poor soil conditions. The succulent leaves store water, allowing the plant to survive in arid environments.

During its blooming period, Sedum rubens produces clusters of tiny, star-shaped flowers that range in color from white to a soft pink. These blossoms are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as an important source of nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thus contributing to the ecological balance within its native habitats.

In cultivation, Sedum rubens is appreciated for its low maintenance requirements. It prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location but can tolerate partial shade. This hardy plant is often utilized in xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation. It’s also a popular choice for container gardening, providing visual interest with its compact and colorful foliage.

Whether gracing a wild landscape or being meticulously curated in a garden, Red stonecrop remains a versatile and attractive plant. Its robust nature, combined with its ornamental appeal, ensures that it continues to be a favorite among botanists and garden enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Spa: crasula jabonera
Deu: rötliche fetthenne
Swe: åkerfetknopp
Nld: rood vetkruid
En: Red Stonecrop
Ar: سدم أحمر
Ca: Crespinell rogenc
Nl: Rood vetkruid
Fr: Crassule rougeâtre, Orpin rougeâtre
De: Rötliches Dickblatt, Rötliche Fetthenne, Rötlicher Mauerpfeffer
He: צורית בלוטית
It: Borracina arrossata
Es: Crasula jabonera
Sv: Åkerfetknopp
Uk: Очиток червонуватий

Synonyms

• Sedum rubens var. haouzense (Andr.)
• Sedum angelosii (Beauverd & Topali)
• Sedum ibicense (Pau)
• Sedum steudelii (Boiss.)
• Sedum rubens var. pallidiflorum ((Jord. & Fourr.) Rouy & E.G.Camus)
• Sedum rubens var. mediterraneum ((Jord. & Fourr.) Rouy & E.G.Camus)
• Sedum matrense (Kit.)
• Sedum simplex (Steud. ex Boiss.)
• Sedum meehanii (A.Gray)
• Procrassula pallidiflora (Jord. & Fourr.)
• Procrassula mediterranea (Jord. & Fourr.)
• Crassula rubens ((L.) L.)
• Aithales rubens ((L.) Webb & Berthel.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Poland (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude ECHARDOUR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2021 by Beltran Antonia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2021 by curzio pietro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Hipericus Perforatum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Hipericus Perforatum (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 22, 2022 by Marc Besson (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2022 by Lugifa Lugifa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2019 by Lugifa Lugifa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2018 by dimitris logp (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 18, 2019 by Hendrik Vlist Van Der (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2017 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2022 by mouscaillot (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Mar 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 31, 1852 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

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

© 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/7963827)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:275980-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sedum rubens L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Soil nutriments: 3