Common Stonecrop
Sedum acre
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Pl. 556E — Sedum acre
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IOverview
Overview
Common Stonecrop (Sedum acre) is a low-growing perennial herb native to central and southern Europe, as well as parts of North Africa and Asia. Known for its edible leaves and drought-resistant nature, this plant thrives in various soil types—light, medium, or heavy—and prefers a pH between 6.5 and 7. It can be found across a wide range including Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and more. The plant is valued for its light, airy form that can spread up to 0.1 meters. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow in dry or moist conditions, making it adaptable to different habitats.
Quick answers
What is Common Stonecrop?
Common Stonecrop (Sedum acre) is a low-growing perennial herb native to central and southern Europe, as well as parts of North Africa and Asia. Known for its edible leaves and drought-resistant nature, this plant thrives in various soil types—light, medium, or heavy—and prefers a pH between 6.
What is Common Stonecrop used for?
Traditionally used for topical & skin, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Common Stonecrop
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Common Stonecrop has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine for minor skin irritations and wounds, often applied topically as a poultice or salve. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe irritated skin.
The plant contains compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects. However, the specific mechanism is not fully characterised.
- Common Stonecrop has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine for digestive issues, often consumed as a tea. It may help alleviate minor stomach discomfort.
The plant contains compounds such as flavonoids and tannins which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects on the gastrointestinal tract. However, the specific mechanism is not fully characterised.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Common Stonecrop support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Common Stonecrop thrives in well-draining soils that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It prefers a pH range of 6.5 to 7 and is best suited for dry to moist conditions. This perennial plant requires full sun to partial shade and is hardy in zones 4-9. For propagation, gardeners can use leaf cuttings or division. Harvest the edible leaves throughout the growing season.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Common Stonecrop for the first time
8steps
Start with Common Stonecrop as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot or planting area, seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in autumn before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7, ensuring it's light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors and transplant young plants after danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to keep soil moist but not soggy, ensuring good drainage.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and minimal watering once established. Prune dead leaves as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any dead or damaged foliage to maintain the plant's health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil without good drainage, neglecting to prune dead leaves.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Condiment
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe19 regions
native (19)AustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaUkraineUnited Kingdom
Americas1 region
native (1)Greenland
Africa2 regions
native (2)LibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
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