Botanical Name: Sedum spectabile
Family: Crassulaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Saxifragales
Genus: Hylotelephium
Species: H. spectabile
Synonyms:
*Hylotelephium spectabile
*Sedum telephium
Common Names: Showy stonecrop, Ice plant, Butterfly stonecrop
Habitat: Sedum spectabile is native to Eastern part of Asia – China and Korea and Manchuria. It grows on valleys, rocky cliffs and damp places along woodlands
Description:
Sedum spectabile is an herbaceous perennial plant, growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in), with alternate, simple, toothed leaves on erect, unbranched succulent stems. The star-shaped pink flowers are borne in flat cymes 15 cm (6 in) across. It is in flower from September to October, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Cultivation:
A very easily grown and tolerant plant, it succeeds in most soils but prefers a fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position[200]. Tolerates poor soils. Established plants are drought tolerant, they can also tolerate considerable neglect, surviving even in the dense growth of weeds. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. This species has pink flowers. All members of this genus are said to have edible leaves, though those species that have yellow flowers can cause stomach upsets if they are eaten in quantity. The flowers have a honey-like smell similar to Buddleias. A very ornamental plant, there are some named varieties. The flowers are very attractive to bees and lepidoptera. Plants in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is fleshy. Thick or swollen – fibrous or tap root.
Ediible Uses: Leaves are eaten- raw or cooked. The leaves are very mucilaginous but have a fairly bland flavour.
Medicinal Uses: The plant is antiphlogistic, depurative, sialagogue.
Other Uses: Plants can be grown as a ground cover when planted about 30cm apart each way.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hylotelephium_spectabile
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Sedum+spectabile
