Sedum divergens aka Pacific Stonecrop

Taxonomy ID: 11704

Sedum divergens is also known as Pacific stonecrop. It belongs to the plant family Crassulaceae. Its native range runs from Alaska south to California. It grows in British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon as well. It comes from western North America's temperate lands, with their mild climate. In the wild, it grows on rocky mountain slopes. Its sites include alpine and subalpine ledges and ridges. It also grows on talus slopes, where loose rocks lie.

This low succulent stores water and keeps its leaves year-round. Kew calls its growth form a succulent subshrub. Plants For A Future calls it a perennial, which lives for years. It reaches about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] in height. Its leaves are very small, round, green, and crisp. They look like tiny berries. Its low height suits the garden beds listed for this species.

The plant bears yellow flowers from July to August. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects move pollen between the flowers. The plant is self-fertile: it can set seed with its own pollen. Seeds ripen from August to September, once flowering ends. The evidence gives no more facts about its fruit. Its year-round leaves and summer blooms add interest in more than one season.

Grow Pacific stonecrop in full sun, not shade. It prefers rich soil that lets excess water drain away. It can grow in sand, loam, or clay. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. Dry or moist soil suits it if water drains well. Once it takes root, it can cope with drought. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 5–9. It also reports hardiness to UK zone 6. You can divide plants with ease in the growing season. Spring or early summer is the best time. Sow seed on the soil's surface in spring. Keep the seed soil moist.

You can eat the leaves raw or cooked. Some Indigenous North American peoples ate the crisp leaves raw. Plants For A Future gives them a low rating for food use. It calls the plant not poisonous, but large servings may upset the stomach. Keep this warning in mind when you consider eating it. Past uses as medicine include treating piles and helping bowels move as a laxative. These records give no guidance for treatment. The source lists no other uses and flags no weed risk. The supplied evidence names no pests or diseases for this species.

Common names

Pacific Stonecrop, Spreading Stonecrop, Cascade Stonecrop

More information about Pacific Stonecrop

How difficult is it to take care of Pacific Stonecrop

Pacific Stonecrop presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

What is the growth pattern and size of Pacific Stonecrop?

Pacific Stonecrop grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

What is the region of origin of Pacific Stonecrop

Pacific Stonecrop’s native range is Northern Hemisphere, South America, and Africa.

What are the water needs for Pacific Stonecrop

💧 Dry to moist
Pacific Stonecrop does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

What is the right soil for Pacific Stonecrop

pH: Adaptable Any soil
To ensure the health of your Pacific Stonecrop, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

What is the sunlight requirement for Pacific Stonecrop

Pacific Stonecrop thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Cascade Stonecrop.

What's the right humidity for Pacific Stonecrop

Pacific Stonecrop prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

How to fertilize Pacific Stonecrop

The growth rate of Pacific Stonecrop is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Is Pacific Stonecrop toxic to humans/pets?

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

What seasonal care does Pacific Stonecrop need?

During the wintertime, it's common for Pacific Stonecrop to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

More info:
Wikipedia • GBIF

Sources

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