Ditch Stonecrop
(Penthorum sedoides)
Ditch Stonecrop (Penthorum sedoides)
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David McCorquodale
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
David McCorquodale
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: David McCorquodale | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: David McCorquodale | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-08-25T10:32:03-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Penthorum sedoides, commonly known as ditch stonecrop, is a perennial herb that thrives in wetland margins, ditches, and along streams in the eastern United States and Canada. It exhibits a variable height ranging from 10 to 80 centimeters. The plant has an erect lower stem that is smooth, while the curved branching inflorescence is adorned with glandular hairs. During the summer, ditch stonecrop produces inconspicuous small white flowers, each about half a centimeter wide, with 10 stamens and no petals. Notably, the fruit is a star-shaped capsule composed of 5 carpels united at the base, which turns an attractive red in the autumn season.
Ditch stonecrop is valued for its adaptability to wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, wetland restoration, and as a ground cover in moist areas of the landscape. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring medium amounts of water and tolerating soils with slow drainage. Full sun is optimal for its growth, but it can also tolerate partial shade. While not known for major disease issues, it can spread in favorable conditions and may require management to keep it in check.CC BY-SA 4.0
Ditch stonecrop is valued for its adaptability to wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, wetland restoration, and as a ground cover in moist areas of the landscape. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring medium amounts of water and tolerating soils with slow drainage. Full sun is optimal for its growth, but it can also tolerate partial shade. While not known for major disease issues, it can spread in favorable conditions and may require management to keep it in check.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.5-2 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Green, Brown
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Aquatic
- Drainage: Slow
Common Uses
Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wetland margins, ditches, and stream banks
Other Names
Common Names: Virginia Penthorum, Virginia Stonecrop, Penthorum Faux-Orpin
Scientific Names: , Penthorum sedoides, Penthorum circinale, Penthorum sedoides f. leucosperma, Sedum penthorum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Penthorum sedoides L.