Native Groundcover for Shade Gardens in Maryland

Woodland Stonecrop – Sedum ternatum

Growing Information

Woodland Stonecrop is frequently found, as its common name describes, in moist woodlands and forested ravines, bottomlands, river banks, or rock outcroppings. It is very tolerant of rocky poor soils, and does very well in full shade conditions, making it a very versatile groundcover option. It can handle both drought conditions and heavier moisture levels than many other species of sedum, and can tolerate full sun but will do best in part to full shade.

Habit

Stonecrop is a low-growing groundcover, typically growing about six inches tall with a spread radius of about a foot. The stems spread horizontally and form mats, usually establishing quickly in average temperatures. In the winter, the stems connecting new growth to the parent plant will die back, leaving the newly rooted plants standing on their own. Sedum’s thick, rubber-like leaves fall off easily, but new growth can propagate from those leaves.

Sedum ternatum is a flowering species, producing small white flowers on one stalk surrounded by smaller, non-flowering branches.

Plant Information