Two-row Stonecrop, Caucasian Stonecrop
Kingdom: Plantae; Division: Tracheophyta; Class: Magnoliopsida; Order: Saxifragales; Family: Crassulaceae; Genus: Phedimus; Species: Phedimus spurius · Crassulaceae (Stonecrop family) · Simple, succulent, deciduous to semi-evergreen
Species
Phedimus spurius (formerly Sedum spurium)
Leaf Type
Simple, succulent, deciduous to semi-evergreen
Family
Crassulaceae (Stonecrop family)
Shape
Obovate to spatulate (spoon-shaped) with a wedge-shaped base
Size
Typically 0.5 to 1 inch long; the specimens in the image are approximately 0.75 inches, within the normal range for early season growth.
Margin
Crenate to serrate toward the tip, entire (smooth) near the base
Arrangement
Opposite, appearing in two distinct rows (decussate) or forming tight terminal rosettes
Rarity
Very Common; frequently used in landscaping and easily found in garden centers.
Color & Pattern
Sage green centers with distinct reddish-orange to bronze margins; the warm tones are likely due to coolness or sun exposure (anthocyanin production).
Venation Pattern
Obscure due to succulent thickness, but technically pinnate/reticulate
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous), fleshy, and succulent; slightly waxy/glaucous finish
Description
A low-growing, mat-forming succulent perennial. It features creeping stems that root at nodes, creating a dense carpet. The foliage is topped by clusters of star-shaped, five-petaled flowers (usually pink or red) in mid-to-late summer.
Key Features
Opposite succulent leaves with scalloped edges, reddish-tinted margins, and a low-prostrate creeping habit with visible stem nodes.
Habitat
Thrives in rock gardens, dry walls, and well-drained sandy or rocky soils; prefers full sun to light shade.
Geographic Range
Native to the Caucasus region; widely naturalized across North America and Europe as an ornamental groundcover.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Shows signs of emerging from winter dormancy with some withered, brown leaves from the previous season visible on the soil surface. Fresh green growth is healthy.
Interesting Facts
The genus name 'Sedum' comes from the Latin 'sedo' (to sit), referring to how it sits on rocks; the species is highly drought-tolerant due to CAM photosynthesis.
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily used as an ornamental groundcover for erosion control on slopes. Not typically used in modern medicine, though some Stonecrops were historically used for skin irritations.
Ecological Role
Provides nectar for late-season pollinators like smaller bees and butterflies; useful for 'green roofs' to manage urban heat and water runoff.
Similar Species
Sedum kamtschaticum (has yellow flowers and alternate leaves) and Sedum album (has cylindrical, non-scalloped leaves).
Foraging Tips
Look for dense mats in sunny rockeries or abandoned garden sites. Best identified by the flat, scalloped leaves which differ from the needle-like leaves of many other Sedums.
Toxicity Warning
Mildly Toxic. Ingestion may cause stomach upset in humans and pets; contact with sap can cause mild skin irritation for sensitive individuals.