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Flowering broadleaf stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium). One of the 100+ species of stunning Pacific Northwest native plants, shrubs and trees available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Close-up of broadleaf stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium) flower. One of the 100+ species of stunning Pacific Northwest native plants, shrubs and trees available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants nursery in Portland, Oregon.
A silvery mat of broadleaf stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium). Another stunning Pacific Northwest native groundcover available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Clusters on early yellow flowers of broadleaf stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium). Another stunning Pacific Northwest native groundcover available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Flowering broadleaf stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium). One of the 100+ species of stunning Pacific Northwest native plants, shrubs and trees available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Closeup of broadleaf stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium) blanketing a rocky hillside outside of Hood River, OR. One of the 100+ species of stunning Pacific Northwest native plants, shrubs and trees available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants nursery in Portland, Oregon.
A flat of 4" broadleaf stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium). One of the 100+ species of stunning Pacific Northwest native plants, shrubs and trees available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants nursery in Portland, Oregon.

Broadleaf Stonecrop

Sedum spathulifolium

Broadleaf stonecrop, like its cousin Oregon stonecrop, is a highly ornamental, evergreen groundcover. Its succulent leaves vary widely in color and form but are generally compact rosettes with a powdery bluish hue that transitions to reddish-purple as the plant ages. In mid-spring, prolific clusters of bright yellow flowers burst into bloom atop short, upright stems and are favored by native pollinators and beneficial insects. 

  • Plant type/canopy layer: evergreen, perennial, herbaceous plant
  • Size at maturity: 3-6" tall, spreads laterally by rhizomes, creating a groundcover
  • Light requirements: full to mostly sunny
  • Moisture requirements: moist to dry soil
  • Bloom time: April to August (May - June in the Portland Metro area)
  • Growth rate/ease: medium growth rate, easy to grow
  • Wildlife support: flowers attract and provide nectar to adult butterflies, bees and other insect pollinators; overall plant attracts and supports beneficial and pest eating insects and is a caterpillar host plant and larval food source for native butterflies and moths
  • Native habitat/range: locally common in rocky outcrops and ledges, gravelly places, and slopes, from sea level to 1500m, across the Pacific Northwest from the coast to the Cascades. Portland Plant List - yes.
  • Special features & uses: evergreen; groundcover; landscape uses include pollinator gardens, greenroofs, rock gardens, rock walls and potted arrangements

Gardening with Broadleaf Stonecrop: This is an excellent choice for sunny pollinator gardens, containers, and rocky borders with moist to dry, well-drained soil. It’s slightly harder to establish, but the striking, unique color is worth accepting a little mortality. If you hope to achieve this consistent groundcover effect, a good strategy is to buy many, expecting that some will not make it, and space them every 6”-12” apart. 

Photo Credit 1, 3-6: Nikkie West, Sparrowhawk Native Plants 

Photo Credit 2: "Pacific Sedum (Sedum spathulifolium)" by StephanieFalzone is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Photo Credit 7: Hoddick Photography

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