Sedum acre L.
Goldmoss Stonecrop
Sedum acre, known as 'biting stonecrop', 'wall pepper', or 'goldmoss stonecrop', is a mat-forming succulent in the family Crassulaceae described by Linnaeus in 1753, widely distributed across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It forms dense carpets of small stems covered in tiny ovoid bright-green leaves that turn yellowish or reddish under stress. In summer it is covered in showy bright yellow star-shaped flowers. Its name refers to the acrid, peppery taste of its leaves due to alkaloids present in the plant.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Sedum |
| Growth Habit | Stoloniferous and mat-forming; creeping stems form dense carpets 5–10 cm high that spread laterally rapidly. Very hardy and resistant to light foot traffic. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC). Native species with wide distribution across Europe and Asia; abundant and not threatened. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| Type | Poor, dry, sandy, or stony soil. Tolerates alkaline pH (up to 8.0). Completely unsuitable in clay or waterlogged soils. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Alternate, ovoid to conical, very small leaves (4–6 mm), sessile, bright green with an imbricate appearance on the stems. Contain alkaloids (sedamine, sedum nicotine) that give them their acrid taste and mild toxicity.
ecoStar-shaped flowers with 5 bright yellow petals, 8–12 mm in diameter, grouped in terminal trifid cymes. Blooms May–July. Very attractive to pollinating insects, especially bees and flies.
ecoCreeping to semi-erect stems, 3–10 cm long, branching, rooting at nodes in contact with the soil. Flower-bearing stems are more erect. The entire plant is pale to yellow-green.
ecoVery shallow and fibrous root system; adventitious roots at every node of the creeping stem. Rapidly colonizes wall crevices, rooftops, scree, and sandy soils.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Poor, dry, sandy, or stony soil. Tolerates alkaline pH (up to 8.0). Completely unsuitable in clay or waterlogged soils.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Cut stem segments 3–7 cm and place directly on moist sandy substrate.
- 2 Cover lightly or leave on the surface; root extremely easily.
- 3 Keep slightly moist for 2–3 weeks until established.
- 1 Divide the established clump by separating rooted portions.
- 2 Transplant directly to the new location without prior callousing.
- 3 Water well; the plant establishes on its own in 1–2 weeks.
Ideal for extensive green roofs due to its extreme hardiness and self-propagation.
Planting in fertile soil or high organic matter, producing excessive and floppy growth.
Only if grown in a container: every 2–3 years. No repotting needed in garden.
No fertilization recommended; excess nutrients reduce compactness and color. In very poor soils, a minimal spring application every 2 years is sufficient.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
TOXIC: Sedum acre contains alkaloids (sedamine) that are toxic if ingested in quantity. May cause nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal irritation, and hypotension. Sap may cause irritation and dermatitis on skin and mucous membranes. Keep away from children and pets. Historically used in herbalism with extreme caution as a rubefacient.
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Plant Health
Slugs and snails (Gastropoda): may damage tender stems in humid conditions; place copper barriers or ecological bait.
Root rot from excess moisture in poorly drained soils.
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"Sedum acre has been used in European folk medicine since antiquity as a topical wart remedy and for treating skin ulcers, thanks to alkaloids such as sedamine. However, internal use is documented to cause serious poisoning. In the context of European green roofs, S. acre is one of the most effective pioneer species in extensive substrates: its resistance to drought, frost, and wind, combined with its spontaneous vegetative reproduction, makes it the foundational plant of many green roof ecomosaics."
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Scientific Integrity
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.