Sedum green moss, Sedum acre, is a popular succulent groundcover. Also known as Goldmoss Stonecrop or Moss Stonecrop, this plant forms a low-growing, mat-like spread. Its distinctive appearance features tiny, fleshy, conical green leaves that create a dense, verdant carpet. This resilient perennial is a hardy and attractive addition to landscapes, valued for its ease of care.
Characteristics and Benefits
Sedum acre grows as a dense, mat-forming groundcover, typically reaching 1 to 4 inches tall and spreading 12 to 24 inches wide. Its small, succulent, bright green leaves overlap, giving them a scaled appearance, and can sometimes take on reddish hues in colder temperatures. In late spring through summer, tiny, star-shaped, bright yellow flowers emerge just above the foliage, adding a cheerful display.
This plant is exceptionally drought tolerant, storing moisture within its leaves. Once established, it requires minimal watering and fertilization, making it a low-maintenance option. Its vigorous, spreading nature provides effective erosion control for slopes or bare areas. Sedum acre thrives in poor soil conditions, including rocky or sandy compositions, and is generally resistant to deer and rabbits. It is winter hardy, suited for USDA zones 3 through 8.
Planting and Care
Select a site for Sedum acre that receives full sun to partial shade, as ample sunlight encourages denser growth. The plant requires well-draining soil and tolerates poor, rocky, or sandy conditions, but heavy clay should be avoided. It adapts to a range of soil pH levels, from slightly acidic to mildly alkaline.
Planting Sedum acre is straightforward, whether from nursery plants or cuttings. For cuttings, simply break off a stem and insert it into the soil, where it will root quickly. When planting as a groundcover, space plants approximately 6 to 12 inches apart for effective coverage. New plantings require consistent watering initially, often daily for the first couple of weeks, to help them establish robust root systems.
Once mature, Sedum acre becomes highly drought-tolerant, necessitating infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry completely between watering sessions; a good practice is to check if the top 2 to 4 inches of soil are dry before watering again. Fertilization is not typically needed, as the plant performs well in lean soils and excessive nutrients can be counterproductive. Maintenance involves occasional weeding until the plant forms a dense mat and light pruning for shaping or containing its spread.
Common Uses and Applications
Sedum acre is commonly used as a groundcover, forming a dense, weed-suppressing mat that creates a vibrant green carpet in the landscape. Its ability to thrive in challenging conditions makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, where it can fill crevices and spill gracefully over stones. Its resilience to light foot traffic also allows it to be planted between pavers or stepping stones, softening hardscape elements.
Due to its lightweight nature and drought tolerance, Sedum acre is well-suited for extensive green roof systems. In container gardens, it functions effectively as a “spiller” plant, cascading over the edges of pots. It is also a valuable component in xeriscaping, contributing to water-wise landscape designs. The plant offers visual appeal, transforming various areas into lush, green expanses, including slopes where it aids in stability.