Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Crassulaceae (Stonecrop)
Also in this family:
Biting Stonecrop, Caucasian Stonecrop, Common House-leek, English Stonecrop, Ice Plant, Kamchatka Stonecrop, Lamb's-tail, Large Rock Stonecrop, Mossy Stonecrop, Navelwort, New Zealand Pigmyweed, Orpine, Pigmyweed, Pink Stonecrop, Rock Stonecrop, Roseroot, Thick-leaved Stonecrop, White Stonecrop
Maximum Size:
25 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Cliffs, gardens, rocky places, sea cliffs, seaside, walls.
The flowers of Tasteless Stonecrop (Sedum sexangulare) are small, star-shaped, and bright yellow, typically appearing in dense, flat-topped clusters (cymes) atop the succulent stems. Each flower has five pointed petals and is radially symmetrical, giving it a striking appearance against the plant's fleshy, green, six-angled leaves. Blooming usually occurs in early to mid-summer, attracting pollinators such as bees with its vivid color and nectar. The flowers sit on short stalks and are a key identifying feature of this low-growing, mat-forming alpine plant.
Fruit:
The fruit of Tasteless Stonecrop (Sedum sexangulare) consists of small, dry, star-shaped clusters of five follicles—each a narrow, pod-like structure that splits open when mature to release tiny seeds. These follicles develop from the flower’s central ovary and are arranged in a radiating pattern, maintaining the star-like appearance even after flowering. The seeds inside are minute and brown, dispersed mainly by wind or water, aiding the plant’s spread across rocky or sandy habitats where it thrives.
Leaves:
The leaves of Tasteless Stonecrop (Sedum sexangulare) are small, fleshy, and succulent, arranged in dense whorls of six around the stem—giving the species its name "sexangulare," meaning "six-angled." They are cylindrical or slightly flattened, tapering to a rounded tip, and typically bright green, though they may turn reddish in strong sunlight or during dry conditions. The thick, water-retentive nature of the leaves helps the plant survive in dry, rocky soils, and their compact, overlapping arrangement gives the stems a spiky, textured appearance.
Fragrance:
Tasteless Stonecrop (Sedum sexangulare) has little to no noticeable fragrance overall. The leaves and stems are generally scentless, and while the bright yellow flowers may emit a faint, slightly sweet or honey-like scent, it is typically very subtle and only detectable up close, if at all. The plant relies more on its vivid color than fragrance to attract pollinators like bees.
Other Names:
Six-rowed Stonecrop, Insipid Stonecrop, Love-entangled, Six-angled Stonecrop, Six-sided Stonecrop, Watch-chain Sedum.
Summary
Sedum sexangulare is a species of flowering succulent plant in the genus Sedum. It is native to Europe, and is commonly found growing on rocky outcroppings or in crevices of limestone cliffs. The plant has fleshy, green leaves that are arranged in whorls of six around the stem. It produces small, yellow or white flowers in the summer. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and can be grown in rock gardens or as a ground cover in well-drained soils. It is tolerant of dry conditions and it prefers full sun or partial shade.
Blog
Sedum sexangulare, commonly known as Tasteless Stonecrop, is a low-growing succulent plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, and is commonly found in rocky habitats, walls, and roofs. The plant is well known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in the summer, and its leaves which have a slightly bitter taste.
Tasteless Stonecrop is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types, from sandy to clayey soils. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant can tolerate drought and does not require regular watering, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.
The leaves of Tasteless Stonecrop are fleshy and triangular in shape, with a bluish-green color. They are arranged in a rosette pattern, and can grow up to 2.5 cm long. The plant's stem is woody and can grow up to 20 cm in length. Tasteless Stonecrop blooms in late spring or early summer, producing clusters of star-shaped yellow flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
One of the unique features of Tasteless Stonecrop is its slightly bitter taste, which is why it is commonly known as the "Tasteless" Stonecrop. This taste is due to the presence of oxalic acid in the plant, which is a natural compound found in many vegetables and fruits, such as spinach and rhubarb. The plant's leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and are often used as a garnish in salads or as a seasoning for soups and stews. However, it is important to note that the plant contains toxic compounds that can cause digestive discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Tasteless Stonecrop is also used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine. The plant is believed to have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, and is used to treat conditions such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
Tasteless Stonecrop is a unique and versatile plant that can add interest to any garden. Its hardy nature, bright yellow flowers, and edible leaves make it a popular choice for both ornamental and culinary purposes. If you're looking for a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions, then Sedum sexangulare might be the perfect choice for you.
Tasteless Stonecrop is a popular plant for rock gardens, ground covers, and container gardening. Its low-growing habit and spreading nature make it ideal for covering slopes, rock walls, and other difficult-to-landscape areas. The plant's ability to tolerate drought and extreme heat also makes it a great choice for hot and arid climates.
Tasteless Stonecrop is easy to propagate, and can be grown from cuttings or by dividing mature plants. It can also be grown from seed, although germination can be slow and erratic. The plant is not prone to many pests or diseases, making it a low-maintenance addition to any garden.
If you are looking for a plant that can attract beneficial insects to your garden, Tasteless Stonecrop is a great choice. The plant's bright yellow flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to create a pollinator-friendly environment.
In addition to its ornamental and culinary uses, Tasteless Stonecrop is also used in landscaping for erosion control. Its spreading habit and deep root system make it an effective plant for stabilizing slopes and preventing soil erosion. The plant is also used in green roofs and living walls, where it can help to reduce stormwater runoff and improve air quality.
Tasteless Stonecrop is a versatile and hardy plant that can provide both aesthetic and functional benefits to your garden. Whether you want to add color to a rock garden, attract pollinators to your yard, or stabilize slopes and prevent erosion, this plant is an excellent choice. With its low maintenance requirements and adaptability to a wide range of growing conditions, Sedum sexangulare is a plant that is worth considering for any garden or landscape.
Tasteless Stonecrop is also known for its ability to thrive in challenging conditions. It can grow in poor soils with little or no organic matter, making it a useful plant for areas with thin soil or limited nutrients. It can also tolerate cold temperatures, making it a popular plant for gardens in cooler regions.
In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, Tasteless Stonecrop has also been used in traditional folk medicine to treat a range of ailments, including skin conditions, digestive issues, and respiratory problems. The plant is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, although more research is needed to fully understand its potential health benefits.
One interesting fact about Tasteless Stonecrop is that it is also used in some parts of the world as a dye plant. The plant produces a yellow dye that can be extracted from its leaves and stems. This dye has been used to color wool, silk, and other fabrics, and is prized for its vibrant yellow color.
Overall, Tasteless Stonecrop is a versatile and valuable plant that offers a range of benefits to gardeners and landscapers. From its hardy nature and attractive flowers to its culinary and medicinal uses, this plant is a great addition to any garden or landscape.
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