Sedum morganianum E.Walther
Burro's Tail
Sedum morganianum, commonly known as 'burro's tail', 'donkey tail', or 'horse tail', is a trailing succulent in the family Crassulaceae described by E. Walther in 1938, native to Veracruz (Mexico) and Honduras. Its long, trailing stems densely covered in blue-green, teardrop- to cigar-shaped fleshy leaves are unmistakable, and can reach over 60–90 cm in mature plants. Ideal for hanging baskets and shelf edges where stems can trail freely.
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© Diego Delso
CC BY-SA 3.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Sedum |
| Growth Habit | Trailing and prostrate stems with slow to moderate growth that can reach 90 cm or more under optimal conditions. Leaves detach extremely easily at the slightest contact. Does not form rosettes or upright stems. |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC). Widely cultivated as a trailing ornamental worldwide. Its wild populations in Mexico and Honduras are stable. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Type | Light, loose substrate with a high percentage of perlite or coarse sand. Excellent drainage, low water retention. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Alternate, succulent, cylindrical to fusiform leaves, 1.5–2.5 cm long and 4–6 mm in diameter, pale blue-green with soft pruina. Extremely caducous (fall off at the slightest touch), facilitating natural propagation by dropping.
ecoSmall, star-shaped flowers, pink to crimson-red, grouped in terminal cymes. Blooms in spring–summer; infrequent indoors. Very attractive and contrast sharply with the blue-green stems.
ecoFleshy, rounded stems, green to brown, covered with leaves along their entire length. Become woody at the base with age. Brittle and break easily, which aids propagation.
ecoFibrous, compact, and shallow root system. Stems also emit adventitious roots at nodes when in contact with moist substrate.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Light, loose substrate with a high percentage of perlite or coarse sand. Excellent drainage, low water retention.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Spontaneously fallen leaves are best for propagation; can also be removed with a gentle vertical motion.
- 2 Allow the basal end to dry for 24 hours.
- 3 Place on slightly moist substrate in a tray at 20–24 °C.
- 4 Keep slightly moist; roots and small shoots emerge in 3–6 weeks.
- 1 Cut a stem segment 8–15 cm long with clean scissors or a knife.
- 2 Remove the leaves from the last 3–4 cm of the cut end.
- 3 Callous for 24–48 hours in a dry, shaded location.
- 4 Insert the bare end into slightly moist substrate; roots in 2–4 weeks.
Hang the pot in a bright location without intense midday direct sun.
Overwatering, which rots the roots; the most common cause of loss.
Every 2–3 years or when the plant looks very crowded; repot in spring with great care to avoid losing leaves.
Balanced liquid succulent fertilizer at half dose, once in spring and once in summer; none in autumn–winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats according to the ASPCA. Safe in households with pets.
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Plant Health
Mealybug: concentrates at stem bases and areas with dense leaves; treat with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab.
Root rot from overwatering or compacted substrate without drainage.
Aphid (Aphididae): occasional on tender shoots; control with potassium soap or a strong water spray.
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"The extreme caducousness of Sedum morganianum leaves is a highly efficient vegetative reproduction strategy: each fallen leaf can root and give rise to a new plant. In its natural habitat on the rocky slopes of Veracruz, stems detach mechanically from wind or passing animals, rapidly colonizing new areas. Interestingly, the species remained unknown in its wild habitat until the 1990s, as it was known only through cultivated plants."
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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.