Habitat and Range
Stonecrop grows in gravely or rocky soils up to 12,000 ft in all parts of the Sierra. This genus thrives in most parts of California and throughout the west coast.
Physical Description
Sedum spp are distinguished by their succulent (water-storing) leaves and flower appearance. Stonecrop usually grows from a rhizome or thick caudex (stem-base). Overall, the plant is generally glabrous (smooth, without hairs) and grows no more than 8 inches tall. The obovate leaves are sessile (without a petiole) and can be 1 inch wide and slightly longer than wide. Most Sierran species have leaves that grow in basal rosettes. The inflorescence is a raceme that is yellow in Stonecrops and purple in Roseroot (S. rosea). The flowers have petals and sepals in groups of 4-5 with 8 or 10 stamens divided in to 2 separate whorls. Stonecrop has many seeds that are elliptical in shape and often winged on both sides.
Food Uses
The entire Stonecrop herb (all Sedum spp) is edible raw or cooked as a potherb. As with most any plant, the younger stems and leaves are best before the plant flowers. Harvesting early minimizes the potential bitterness of older leaves. As less plant energy is devoted to the inflorescence and more energy is concentrated in the vegetative parts, gathering early allows you to harness a more nutritious version of the plant.
Medicinal Uses
Use this perennial like aloe and apply the mucilaginous leaf "innards" for sun burns or other skin ailments. Also try a root decoction for sore throat.
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