Sedum ternatum Michaux. Common name: Mountain Stonecrop, Whorled Stonecrop. Phenology: Apr-Jun; May-Jul. Habitat: Moist forests, coves, bottomlands, shaded rock outcrops. Distribution: NJ west to MI and IA, south to nw. GA, c. AL, and sw. AR.
Origin/Endemic status: Native
Synonymy ⓘ: = Ar, C, Can, F, FNA8, G, Il, K4, Mi, Mo2, NE, NY, Pa, RAB, S, S13, Tat, Tn, Va, W, WV, Calie (1981), Clausen (1975); = Clausenellia ternata (L.) Á.Löve & D.Löve. Basionym: Sedum ternatum Michx. 1803
Links to other floras: = Sedum ternatum - FNA8
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Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACU
- Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACU
- Midwest: FACU
- Northcentral & Northeast: FACU
Heliophily ⓘ: 5
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© Gary P. Fleming | Original Image ⭷
© Alan M. Cressler | Original Image ⭷
© Keith Bradley | Original Image ⭷
© Bruce A. Sorrie | Original Image ⭷
© Richard & Teresa Ware CC-BY-NC, permission granted to NCBG | Original Image ⭷
© Edwin Bridges | Original Image ⭷
© Grant Morrow Parkins | Original Image ⭷
© Gary P. Fleming | Original Image ⭷
© Edwin Bridges | Original Image ⭷Feedback
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Horticultural Information
Intro: Mat-forming perennial with both prostrate and erect stems, found in moist forests, coves, bottomlands and on shaded rock outcrops.
Stems: Nonflowering stems lie on ground but are turned up at the tip, where there is a rosette of whorled leaves; flowering stems erect; all stems fleshy and smooth.
Leaves: Leaves alternate or in whorls of 3, oval to spoon-shaped with rounded tips, to 1 in. long, succulent and smooth.
Inforescence:
Flowers: Flowers in a 2- to 4-forked terminal cluster; white; about 1/2 in. wide; consisting of 4 (sometimes 5) spreading, narrowly lance-shaped petals, 4 (5) sepals, 8 stamens with red anthers and a 4-parted ovary.
Fruits: Fruit a small cluster of 4 erect-spreading, beaked capsules.
Comments:
Height: 3-6 in.
plant sale text: Woodland stonecrop has 3-branched sprays of starry white flowers in late spring. Many pollinating insects are attracted to the nectar they produce. In the wild, it often grows in well-drained soil in deciduous woods and along stream banks. This perennial thrives best when it is planted on a slope. The foliage is evergreen. This adaptable southeastern native perennial makes an ideal groundcover for the shade garden. Try planting it on rocky outcrops or as an edging. It is especially pretty when it trails over rocks.
bloom table text:
description: Mat-forming perennial with both prostrate and erect stems, found in moist forests, coves, bottomlands and on shaded rock outcrops.
stems: Nonflowering stems lie on ground but are turned up at the tip, where there is a rosette of whorled leaves; flowering stems erect; all stems fleshy and smooth.
leaves: Leaves alternate or in whorls of 3, oval to spoon-shaped with rounded tips, to 1 in. long, succulent and smooth.
inflorescence:
flowers: Flowers in a 2- to 4-forked terminal cluster; white; about 1/2 in. wide; consisting of 4 (sometimes 5) spreading, narrowly lance-shaped petals, 4 (5) sepals, 8 stamens with red anthers and a 4-parted ovary.
fruits: Fruit a small cluster of 4 erect-spreading, beaked capsules.
comments:
cultural notes:
germination code:
native range: eastern United States
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