Orpine

Sedum telephium

Basic Information

Family: Crassulaceae

Genus: sedum

Plant ID (slug): sedum-telephium

Numeric ID: 24279

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Sedum telephium is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Europe, incl Britain, south and east from Scandanavia to the Pyrenees, temperate Asia, N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedgerow; North Wall. In. East Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 12, 55, 66, 115, 183]. They have occasionally been used in salads[4]. Root - cooked. Used in soups, stews etc[12].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Cytostatic Skin The whole plant is astringent and cytostatic[4, 66]. It is a popular remedy for diarrhoea, stimulates the kidneys and has a reputation in the treatment of cancer[4]. A poultice of the crushed leaves has been used in the treatment of boils and carbuncles[257].