Wild Stonecrop
Sedum ternatum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Sedum ternatum is a low, mat-forming succulent that grows well in moist, part-shaded woodland settings across the eastern and midwestern United States, producing small white star-shaped flowers from April through June.
Toxicity unknown
Wild Stonecrop (Sedum ternatum) 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
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 22 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Wild stonecrop is a low-growing native succulent that forms attractive mats of fleshy, three-part leaves. It produces clusters of small white star-shaped flowers in spring and early summer, adding delicate beauty to shaded garden areas.
Growing Wild Stonecrop
Grow Wild Stonecrop in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 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
Wild Stonecrop is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
- May appear sparse in winter when dormant
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract native bees and beetles, providing nectar during an important early season period. The low-growing habit also offers shelter for small beneficial insects.
Common questions
- When does Sedum ternatum bloom?
- Sedum ternatum typically blooms from April through June, producing clusters of small white star-shaped flowers along its trailing stems.
- What kind of light does Sedum ternatum need?
- This plant does best in part shade but can tolerate conditions ranging from part sun to fuller shade, making it useful under trees or on shaded rock outcrops.
- How much water does Sedum ternatum require?
- Sedum ternatum prefers medium moisture and also tolerates lower water levels once established, though it does not handle prolonged drought as well as many other sedums.
- What pollinators visit Sedum ternatum flowers?
- The small white flowers attract bees and beetles, which visit for nectar and pollen during the spring bloom period.
- Is Sedum ternatum evergreen?
- Sedum ternatum keeps its fleshy leaves through most of the year in favorable conditions, though foliage can thin out or bronze during cold winters.
- Is Wild Stonecrop HOA-friendly?
- Wild Stonecrop is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Wild Stonecrop? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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