Goldmoss Stonecrop Sedum acre

Names

• Family

  Crassulaceae.

• Synonyms

  Goldmoss, Biting Stonecrop, Wallpepper, Goldmoss Sedum, Mossy Stonecrop, Golden Carpet, Stonecrop.

• Common names

  Sedum acre, Sedum aldolphii, Sedum dasyphyllum, Sedum elegans, Sedum gredense, Sedum majus, Sedum neglectum, Sedum peisonis, Sedum reflexum, Sedum villosum.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Goldmoss stonecrop contains alkaloids and saponins, known to cause poisoning if ingested. Generally, the plant is not deadly, but it can cause discomfort. Symptoms of goldmoss stonecrop poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and skin irritations. It might also cause a burning sensation in the mouth if eaten. Care should be taken not to consume any part of goldmoss stonecrop, as its toxicity can lead to unpleasant but typically not life-threatening symptoms.

• To pets

  Goldmoss stonecrop can be toxic to pets if ingested. This toxicity is due to the presence of alkaloids and saponins. If pets consume goldmoss stonecrop, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and stomach upset. There is also a risk of skin irritation if they come into contact with the sap of the plant. While the toxicity is generally not fatal, it can cause significant discomfort to pets, and it is advisable to prevent them from ingesting any part of goldmoss stonecrop.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Yellow

• Height

  0.1 feet (3 cm)

• Spread

  1 feet (30 cm)

• Plant type

  Succulent

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Low Maintenance: Sedum acre, commonly known as goldmoss, is easy to care for and does not require frequent watering or fertilizing.
• Drought Tolerant: Goldmoss is highly resilient to drought, making it ideal for arid climates and water-conservative gardens.
• Soil Erosion Control: The dense matting habit of goldmoss helps to prevent soil erosion on slopes and in rocky areas.
• Ground Cover: Goldmoss provides a thick carpet of foliage, covering the ground and suppressing weed growth effectively.
• Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Sedum acre attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
• Easy Propagation: This plant easily propagates from cuttings or division, allowing for simple spread and cultivation in garden spaces.
• Ornamental Appeal: With its bright yellow flowers and lush green foliage, goldmoss adds aesthetic appeal to rock gardens, borders, and paths.
• Tolerance to Poor Soil: Sedum acre can thrive in poor soil conditions where other plants might struggle to survive.
• Rapid Growth: Goldmoss grows quickly, providing fast coverage and a swift response to landscaping needs.
• Versatility: This plant can be used in a variety of garden designs, from formal to wild, due to its adaptability and ornamental qualities.

Medical Properties

• Diuretic effects: Sedum acre has been traditionally used for its diuretic properties, which help promote urine production and alleviate fluid retention.
• Anthelmintic properties: It has been used in folk medicine as an anthelmintic to expel parasitic worms from the body.
• Astringent: The plant has astringent properties, which can be used to tighten tissues and reduce secretions.
• Vermifuge: It is sometimes used as a vermifuge, an agent that expels worms.
• Anti-inflammatory: Sedum acre may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could help reduce inflammation in various conditions.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Sedum acre, commonly known as goldmoss stonecrop, can be used as a water-wise solution in gardens due to its drought-resistant nature, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• In rock gardens or alpine gardens, goldmoss stonecrop can serve as ground cover that helps prevent soil erosion while adding texture and color.
• This plant can be used in green roofing systems due to its low maintenance, shallow rooting, and resistance to extreme weather conditions, contributing to building insulation and habitat creation.
• Goldmoss stonecrop can be planted in cracks of walls or walkways, where it will grow to give a naturalized, aged look to the stonework.
• Owing to its dense mat-like growth, it can be used to outcompete and thus control the growth of weeds in gardens.
• The bright yellow flowers of goldmoss stonecrop can be used to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity in the garden.
• When used in container gardening, it provides an easy-to-care-for choice that spills attractively over the sides of pots and hanging baskets.
• In model railroading or dioramas, the textured and spreading habit of goldmoss stonecrop can represent shrubs or lawn areas in miniature landscapes.
• Goldmoss stonecrop has been traditionally used as a resilient ground cover along pathways and between stepping stones, where frequent foot traffic is present.
• Creative gardeners may utilize Sedum acre as a living mulch, providing a more aesthetic and living alternative to traditional wood or straw mulches.

Feng Shui

The plant Sedum acre, commonly known as goldmoss, is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant goldmoss is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Resilience: Sedum acre, commonly known as Goldmoss stonecrop, has the ability to thrive in poor soil and handle drought conditions, making it a symbol of resilience and toughness.
• Tenacity: This plant's propensity to spread and cling to rocky surfaces with its shallow roots showcases its tenacious grip on life, even in challenging circumstances.
• Adaptability: Goldmoss stonecrop can adapt to a wide range of environments, making it emblematic of the ability to adjust and succeed in different conditions.
• Prosperity: With its vibrant yellow flowers, Sedum acre is often associated with prosperity and the bright, positive energy of abundance.
• Endurance: The hardy nature of this plant, which allows it to survive in many settings where other plants would not, symbolizes endurance and longevity.