Sedum ternatum (Woodland Stonecrop)

Sedum ternatum is one of only a handful of succulents that are native to Virginia, and the only native sedum of the central part of the state. Unlike many succulents, this species is adapted to grow in part sun and shade, occuring in often shaded forest settings with some ambient moisture. Hence it is often growing within carpets of moss. 

This species is known as woodland stonecrop, as it predominantly occurs in woodlands, and stonecrops are adapted to thin soils often in rocky areas. Sedum ternatum is a splendid native species that is extremely easy to cultivate, and can form a low mat in the thin soils on rocks, or the organic loam of a forest, and even grow in mossy outcrops near streams and wet areas. They make excellent container plants, as a filler or on its own in a shallow container. They are not deeply rooted and spread primarily by rooting themselves.

Woodland stonecrop sports fleshy green leaves arranged in whorls of three (hence the species name "ternatum"). It blooms spring to early summer, producing three-branched stalks of delicate white star-shaped flowers, which add brightness to shady areas.

Sedum ternatum are said to survive temperatures as low as -30°F to -40°F (-34°C to -40°C), and containers of plants have survived going through our central VA winters without issue. Note they are better insulated in the ground, and a particularly wet winter or deep freeze may cause die-off. We have not attempted to grow this species indoors, but with sufficient moisture and monitoring for pests it may be overwintered indoors.