Sedum acre [SEE-dum AK-REE] the goldmoss stonecrop is a low growing, perennial flowering, evergreen succulent plant.
Its known by several common names:
- Mossy Stonecrop
- Goldmoss Sedum
- Biting Stonecrop
- Wallpaper
The Goldmoss Stonecrop is native to Europe but also found in Turkey, North America, Japan, and New Zealand.
Gold moss belongs to the family Crassulaceae and the genus Sedum. It is found in scrubby areas such as ravine edges and rock crevices.
The genus name sedum comes from the Latin word for sit ‘sedeo’ which references the sprawling nature of the plant’s growth.
The species name acre means bitter taste – referring to the bitter, acrid flavor of the leaves.
It is popularly referred to as Goldmoss because of the moss-like way the plant spreads. It grows to create a groundcover with ‘gold moss’ bright yellow flowers.
Goldmoss Stonecrop Care & Growing Conditions
Size and Growth
The moderate growth rate of the Goldmoss allows the plant to spread over a wide area. Or keep the mossy stonecrop on how you want to grow them. They have a width of up to 24″ inches but grow only 2″ inches in height.
Flowering and Fragrance
Stonecrop Goldmoss is characterized with rounded light green leaves, and overlapping foliage on short semi bent stems.
In the spring to summer bloom time season, the stems lengthen, and the leaves take on a slight brownish tint. The star-shaped golden flowers have no fragrance.
Light and Temperature
The Goldmoss Sedum plant tolerates varying temperatures, and why it grows in areas many plants cannot. Recommended for USDA zone 3 to 8.
It grows best in full sun to partial sun areas and tolerates more sunlight than many other plants.
Watering and Feeding
Gold moss Stonecrop has low water needs is drought tolerant handling difficult conditions and lives through brief dry periods of soil moisture. It does not require frequent feeding or watering, as it is a self-fertile plant.
It is safer to water and feed less than risk going overboard and causing more damage.
Soil and Transplanting
The plant grows in the poorest soil type. It is suitable for sandy, loamy, and clay soils and can handle varying pH levels.
However, for ideal growth, it prefers well-drained soil and light.
Grooming and Maintenance
Goldmoss sedum requires minimum grooming and maintenance. It grows well when left on its own and tolerates difficult conditions. It stays in leaf all year around.
How To Propagate Sedum Acre
Propagate new plants through stem cuttings. Break off a stem (do not cut it) and place it erect in the soil. It does not take long for it to root. Water frequently for the first few months while it is establishing roots.
Once established, lower the watering frequency as mature plants do not need as much water and even tolerate periods of drought conditions.
Sedum Goldmoss Pest and Disease Problems
Mossy Stonecrop is susceptible to slugs and snails but resistant to deer and rabbit nibbling.
Sedum acre is edible in small amounts and lends a spicy flavor to recipes. Cook mature plants before consuming them while younger plants have edible stems and leaves.
There is a risk of gastrointestinal distress and poisoning when eaten in excess. Caution is advised in any quantity consumed.
Suggested Goldmoss Stonecrop Uses
These versatile flowering plants are used both decoratively and practically.
As a decorative plant, it goes great as a houseplant and looks beautiful with other succulents.
Outdoors, grow it as a hanging plant, a rockery plant and as a ground cover plant for hot sites like rock gardens.
A powdered version of Goldmoss is also used as a treatment for many illnesses and conditions including bloating.