Colorado Stonecrop
Sedum spathulifolium
Last reviewed: July 2026
Sedum spathulifolium is a drought-tolerant succulent native to California, Oregon, and Washington that produces clusters of bright yellow flowers from May through July.
Colorado Stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part sun
Water
low
Size
2"–6" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, OR, WA
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sedum spathulifolium is a low-growing native succulent with pretty rosettes of fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves. It produces bright yellow star-shaped flowers in late spring through summer on short stems above the foliage. This drought-tolerant groundcover spreads slowly to form an attractive mat in rock gardens or between stepping stones.
Growing Colorado Stonecrop
Grow Colorado Stonecrop in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 2 to 6 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Colorado Stonecrop is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- May look less tidy if not given enough sun
Wildlife value
The bright yellow flowers attract native bees and beetles as pollinators. Stonecrop provides valuable nectar sources during summer months.
Common questions
- Where does Sedum spathulifolium naturally grow?
- Sedum spathulifolium is native to the Pacific Coast states of California, Oregon, and Washington, where it typically grows on rocky outcrops and cliffs.
- When does Colorado Stonecrop bloom?
- Sedum spathulifolium blooms from May through July, producing bright yellow star-shaped flowers in dense clusters above the succulent foliage.
- What pollinators visit Sedum spathulifolium?
- The flowers attract bees and beetles, which help pollinate this native succulent during its summer blooming period.
- How much water does Colorado Stonecrop need?
- Sedum spathulifolium has very low water requirements and is extremely drought tolerant once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping and rock gardens.
- Is Colorado Stonecrop toxic to dogs?
- Colorado Stonecrop is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Colorado Stonecrop toxic to cats?
- Colorado Stonecrop is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Colorado Stonecrop HOA-friendly?
- Colorado Stonecrop is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Colorado Stonecrop? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz