Sedum ternatum

Common Names

Three-Leaved Stonecrop, Woodland Stonecrop, Wild Stonecrop, Whorled Stonecrop, Iceland Moss

Summary

Sedum ternatum Michx., commonly Woodland Stonecrop or Three-leaved Stonecrop, is a creeping, mat-forming evergreen perennial native to the eastern United States, forming dense mats as decumbent stems root at nodes; leaves are fleshy and arranged in whorls of three; flowering shoots rise about 4–8 inches tall and bear white star-shaped flowers in spring to early summer, it tolerates partial sun to full sun in well-drained soils, from moist to dry‑mesic, and reaches about 4–8 inches in height with a 0.5–1 ft spread; blooms April to June. Hardy in USDA zones 3–9 and commonly grown as ground cover for rock gardens and woodland or shade plantings. Cultivation and uses: Prefers bright light from full sun to partial shade; thrives in well-drained loam or rocky soils and tolerates drought once established. Water deeply during the growing season and allow the soil to dry between waterings; propagation is by division or cuttings, with seeds possible but slower. Suitable as ground cover in rock gardens, shade gardens, and woodland landscapes; attracts bees and other pollinators; hardy in USDA zones 3–9.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-6 inches

Spread

6-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun or Partial Sun/Partial Shade, Full Shade is not an ideal condition.

Soil Type

Well-drained loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged conditions

Soil pH

6.0-8.0, neutral pH is ideal, tolerates alkaline soils

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green (range from pale yellow-green to dark green)

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Medium growth rate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators