Chinese Sedum Sedum tetractinum

Sedum is a genus of succulent, herbaceous, evergreen perennials with fleshy, flat or rounded leaves depending on the species. In general, the plant is upright and spreads along the ground. The genus has over 300 species, though many have been moved to the genus Hylotelephium. The genus name comes from the Latin word sedeo meaning to sit in reference to the habit of many of the sedum species to sit and sprawl over rocks.

Sedum tetractinum, or Chinese Sedum, is a small plant, native to China, that matures to 3 inches in height with a foot wide spread. Chinese Sedum is a mat-forming plant and, like many of its genus, it is often used as ground cover and as a lawn substitute in small areas. It is an attractive plant with four-parted white or pale pink flowers and round, flat, green leaves that tend to fall off easily; however, the fallen leaves can be used to propagate new plants. Some references describe this plant as mildly toxic if ingested, while others do not. In any event, stems and leaves may be eaten raw when very young and tender. As the stems and leaves age, but before the plants flower, the edible parts may still be eaten if they are briefly cooked. The sap can irritate the skin of some people and the leaves, eaten in quantity, can cause stomach upsets.

In nature, Chinese Sedum is often found in moist forests and natural areas. Plant 12 inches apart in a site with full sun in well-drained soil. It will tolerate partial shade, seldom needs watering, and will grow in moist soils with good drainage. The plant tolerates shade and moist soils better than most other sedums as well as drought and heat, rocky and poor soils. It establishes itself quickly, but may do less well in cold temperatures.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious diseases or insect problems, except for occasional slugs and snails. Avoid over watering or wet or poorly drained conditions.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.