Wormleaf stonecrop (Sedum stenopetalum, Fl. Amer. Sept. 1: 324 (1813))

Family: Crassulaceae

Author: Pursh

Bibliography: Fl. Amer. Sept. 1: 324 (1813)

Year: 1813

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sedum

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Canada to W. U.S.A.

Description

Wormleaf stonecrop, known scientifically as Sedum stenopetalum, is a resilient and distinctive plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. This species was first described by Pursh in the early 19th century, making its mark in botanical literature as early as 1813.

Native to the western regions of Canada and the United States, wormleaf stonecrop exhibits a natural versatility, thriving in a variety of mountainous and rocky habitats. Its unique adaptive strategies allow it to prosper in these rugged environments, often where few other plants can survive.

The plant is characterized by its succulent leaves, which are specially adapted to retain water, enabling it to endure periods of drought. These leaves are typically narrow and elongated, resembling worms, which is a distinguishing feature that has lent the plant its common name. The stonecrop blooms with striking yellow flowers that stand out against the green or reddish hue of its foliage, providing a visual spectacle in its natural setting.

Ecologically, wormleaf stonecrop plays a role in preventing soil erosion with its extensive root system, which stabilizes the soil on rocky slopes and cliffs. Its flowers also attract a range of pollinators, thereby contributing to the biodiversity of its ecosystem.

Due to its hardy nature and attractive appearance, Sedum stenopetalum is also popular in rock gardens and as ground cover in drought-prone areas, where its low maintenance needs and aesthetic appeal are greatly valued by gardeners and landscapers alike.

Common Names

Swe: klippfetknopp
Eng: wormleaf stonecrop, worm-leaved stonecrop, narrow-petaled stonecrop
Fra: orpin à pétales étroits
En: Wormleaf stonecrop, YELLOW STONECROP, Worm-leaved stonecrop, Narrow-petaled stonecrop
Fr: Orpin à pétales étroits
Sv: Klippfetknopp

Synonyms

• Amerosedum stenopetalum ((Pursh) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
• Sedum stenopetalum subsp. typicum (R.T.Clausen)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

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

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

Flower

Taken Jul 2, 2022 by Valerie Mason (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 1999 by EOL − William R. Hewlett (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 18, 2002 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (gpl)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (gpl)

Taken Sep 18, 2015 by EOL − Erica Krimmel (cc-by)

Taken Sep 18, 2015 by EOL − Erica Krimmel (cc-by)

Taken Dec 18, 2002 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken May 20, 2020 by Bill Watkins (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 18, 2015 by EOL − Erica Krimmel (cc-by)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:284831-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5361994)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sedum stenopetalum Pursh)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth