Asterosedum spurium (M.Bieb.) Grulich
Caucasian stonecrop / Two-row stonecrop
Asterosedum spurium (syn. Sedum spurium, Phedimus spurius) is the most popular succulent groundcover for temperate and cold-climate gardening. Native to the Caucasus, it has naturalized across much of Europe and North America. Forms dense mats of opposite fleshy green-reddish leaves that produce vivid pink to magenta star-shaped flowers in midsummer. Tolerates extreme cold down to −30 °C. Numerous cultivars exist with leaves ranging from green to intense red-purple.
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© © Ryan Hodnett (CC BY-SA 4.0)
CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Asterosedum |
| Growth Habit | Creeping rhizomatous perennial succulent; opposite fleshy leaves on prostrate stems. Height 5–15 cm; unlimited lateral spread via rhizomes. Semi-evergreen to deciduous in very cold climates. |
| Conservation Status | Least concern (LC); native to the Caucasus, widely naturalized and cultivated worldwide. |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.5 |
| Type | Wide tolerance: poor, sandy, stony, well-drained soils; avoid compact clay |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Opposite, fleshy, spatulate to obovate, 1–3 cm long, with toothed margin in the upper third. Color mid-green to red-bronze depending on cultivar and exposure; intensely redden with cold and sun.
ecoIn dense terminal corymb-like cymes; 5 lanceolate petals, pink to vivid magenta (rarely white); flowering in July-August. Very attractive to bees and butterflies.
ecoProstrate stems, reddish or greenish, rooting at the nodes. Shallow rhizomes allowing rapid expansion as groundcover.
ecoMultiple follicles (5 per flower), typical of Crassulaceae; very small seeds.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Wide tolerance: poor, sandy, stony, well-drained soils; avoid compact clay
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Lift rooted sections from the mat in spring or autumn
- 2 Transplant directly to the new location; water well
- 3 Establishment in 1–2 weeks; vigorous growth
- 1 Cut 5–10 cm segments; no callusing needed
- 2 Insert in moist soil or sand; or simply lay on the ground
- 3 Root very easily; stem roots even on contact with moist soil
- 1 Sow on surface of moist substrate; do not cover
- 2 Keep at 18–22 °C; germination in 2–3 weeks
- 3 Cultivars do not come true from seed
O
Planting in clay soil with poor drainage (causes rot)
Not needed in the garden; in pots, renew every 2–3 years in spring
Optional: diluted balanced mineral fertilizer, once in spring. In poor soils, a surface compost application in autumn. No excessive fertilizing (promotes lax growth).
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans or pets; leaves edible in small amounts (Caucasian tradition). No known toxic compounds.
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Plant Health
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"Asterosedum spurium is the creeping Crassulaceae species with the largest number of registered cultivars: 'Dragon's Blood' (red-purple leaves, carmine flowers), 'Fuldaglut' (intense bronze), 'Voodoo' (brilliant dark red), 'Album Superbum' (white flowers), among others. Classification in Asterosedum vs. Phedimus is still under taxonomic debate."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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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.