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Spearleaf stonecrop

Sedum lanceolatum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Spearleaf stonecrop (Sedum lanceolatum)
Photo: (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson

Toxicity unknown

Spearleaf stonecrop (Sedum lanceolatum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

2"–8" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AK, AZ, CA, CO and 10 more states

Pollinators

native bees, butterflies, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 450 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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A low, mat-forming succulent with fleshy lance-shaped leaves in tight rosettes, topped in early summer by flat clusters of bright yellow star-shaped flowers on short stems. Leaves often flush red in sun and drought. Thrives on rocky slopes, gravel, and thin soils where little else grows, and asks for nothing once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Spearleaf stonecrop is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: rock garden, gravel bed, front border edge, between pavers, green roof, container.

Wildlife value

Host plant for Rocky Mountain Parnassian (Parnassius smintheus).

Its flowers draw small native bees and flies, and the plant is the larval host for the Rocky Mountain Parnassian butterfly, whose caterpillars feed on the leaves. A reliable nectar source on dry, exposed sites in early summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Spearleaf stonecrop need?
Spearleaf stonecrop grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Spearleaf stonecrop bloom?
Spearleaf stonecrop blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Spearleaf stonecrop native?
Spearleaf stonecrop (Sedum lanceolatum) is native to AK, AZ, CA, CO and 10 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What butterflies or moths does Spearleaf stonecrop host?
Spearleaf stonecrop is a larval host plant for Rocky Mountain Parnassian (Parnassius smintheus).
Is Spearleaf stonecrop HOA-friendly?
Spearleaf stonecrop is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Spearleaf stonecrop? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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