Sedum ternatum
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Tried and True Recommended by 4 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: three-leaved stonecrop
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Crassulaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Native Range: Eastern United States
Garden Location: Ameren Ground Cover Border, Martha Love Symington Missouri Native Shade Garden
Height: 0.25 to 0.5 feet
Spread: 0.5 to 0.75 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Drought, Air Pollution, Deer, Rabbits
Uses: Groundcover, Will Naturalize

Culture

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates part shade and moist soils better than most other sedums.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Three-leaved stonecrop (also commonly called whorled stonecrop) is a small, spreading, Missouri native perennial which typically occurs in damp locations along stream banks, bluff bases and stony ledges (as in stonecrop). Grows 3-6" high and spreads by creeping stems which root at the nodes. Stems break away and die in winter, leaving newly rooted plants separated from the mother plant. Features small, rounded, fleshy, succulent-like leaves (to 3/4" long) which appear in whorls of three, thus giving rise to the common names. Clusters of tiny white, star-like flowers (to 1/2" wide) with purplish stamens appear on erect stems above the foliage in spring.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Botrytis is an occasional problem. Although it spreads by creeping stems, and any unwanted plants are easy to remove.

Garden Uses

Best in rock gardens or as a ground cover. Native plant garden.

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