stringy stonecrop
Sedum sarmentosumfam. Crassulaceae
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Pl. 1DB1 — Sedum sarmentosum
Sedum sarmentosumSedum sarmentosumSedum sarmentosumSedum sarmentosumSedum sarmentosumSedum sarmentosumSedum sarmentosumSedum sarmentosumSedum sarmentosumSedum sarmentosumSedum sarmentosumSedum sarmentosumSedum sarmentosumSedum sarmentosum
IOverview
Overview
Stringy stonecrop (Sedum sarmentosum), a perennial forb or herb, is native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Thailand, and Vietnam. This plant thrives in full sun to light shade and prefers soil that can range from light sandy to heavy clay, with moisture levels that can be dry to moist. Hardy in zones 6-9, it grows to a height of about 10 cm, making it a low-maintenance addition to gardens or landscapes. Known for its distinctive creeping habit and stringy texture, stringy stonecrop is both edible and medicinal. Its leaves, which are often used in salads or added to soups and stews for texture, can also be dried and used as a tea substitute. The plant's medicinal uses are documented, though specific benefits and dosages are not provided here. Cultivated in various parts of the world, including Alabama, Austria, Bulgaria, and Connecticut, stringy stonecrop is valued for its hardiness and ability to thrive in diverse environments.
Quick answers
What is stringy stonecrop?
Stringy stonecrop (Sedum sarmentosum), a perennial forb or herb, is native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Thailand, and Vietnam.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Harmony
digestiontea
Historically used for digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Stringy stonecrop thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will also grow in moist conditions. This perennial plant is hardy in zones 6-9 and can reach a height of about 10 cm. Propagate by division or stem cuttings. The edible parts are the leaves, which can be harvested throughout the growing season.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow stringy stonecrop for the first time
8steps
Start with stringy stonecrop for a low-maintenance, beginner-friendly project.
- 1
What you'll need
Stringy stonecrop plants or cuttings, well-draining soil mix, and a sunny spot in your garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant stringy stonecrop in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix for containers, ensuring there are drainage holes. For garden beds, prepare soil by loosening it and removing weeds.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from the nursery into your prepared garden bed or container. Space them about 30 cm apart to allow room for growth.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Keep an eye on new plantings and protect from extreme weather.
- 6
Ongoing care
Stringy stonecrop thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Water only when necessary, especially during dry spells. Prune lightly if needed to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune stringy stonecrop to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead or damaged parts as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The stringy stonecrop's leaves are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used in salads for their mild flavor or added to soups and stews for texture. The leaves can also be dried and used as a tea substitute.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 42 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 42 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 8 native· 42 introduced
Europe8 regions
introduced (8)AustriaBulgariaGermanyItalyPolandRomaniaSpainSwitzerland
Asia7 regions
native (5)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaThailandVietnam
introduced (2)GeorgiaTaiwan
Broader regions
introduced:Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Yugoslavia
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 (Crassulaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Crassulaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 1db16f23-0e1f-4ec8-9898-4ff2f18268df
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