Broadleaf Stonecrop, Purdy's stonecrop, Yosemite stonecrop, Stonecrop, Blood Leaf Sedum

Sedum spathulifolium

Physical Characteristics

Sedum spathulifolium is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Western N. America - British Columbia to California.

Habitats

Ground Cover; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked. They are best used before the plant flowers[172].

Medicinal Uses

Antihaemorrhoidal Birthing aid Galactogogue Haemostatic Laxative Salve Sedative The leaves are antihaemorrhoidal, galactogogue and haemostatic[257]. The leaves can be eaten, or a poultice of the warmed leaves applied to the breasts, in order to stimulate the milk flow of a nursing mother[257]. The juice of the leaves and stems has been rubbed over bleeding wounds to stop the bleeding[257]. A decoction of the stems has been drunk by a woman in the ninth month of her pregnancy in order to ease childbirth[257]. A decoction of the whole plant has been given to children as a treatment for constipation and has been used as a wash to soothe nervous and irritable babies[257]. The plant is used as a treatment for sore gums[257].

Known Hazards

Although not poisonous, if large quantities of this plant are eaten it can cause a stomach upset[62, 85].