# Oregon Stonecrop (*Sedum oreganum*) Oregon Stonecrop is a cheerful little plant that loves to grow in rocky places. It has thick, green leaves and bright yellow flowers that attract bees and butterflies. - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 3 - **Habitat:** Mountain regions ![Oregon Stonecrop](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Sedum_oreganum_0958.JPG&width=800) Photo: Walter Siegmund (talk), CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sedum_oreganum_0958.JPG) ## Appearance The Oregon Stonecrop is a low-growing succulent perennial featuring fleshy, paddle-shaped leaves that can range from bright green to reddish-bronze. Its star-shaped, bright yellow flowers bloom in clusters above the foliage, creating a vibrant carpet. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Saxifragales - **Family:** Crassulaceae - **Genus:** Sedum ## Interesting facts - Its tiny flowers attract many small helpful insects, like a tiny bee buffet! - It’s sometimes called 'Pacific stonecrop' because it loves the Pacific Northwest coast! - Native peoples once munched on its tangy leaves as a snack or spring tonic! - This plant can grow a living 'carpet' that helps protect the soil from washing away! ## Special abilities - **Water Hoarder:** Oregon Stonecrop has thick, fleshy leaves that store water, helping it survive long periods without rain. - **Rock Climber Roots:** Oregon Stonecrop can grow in shallow, rocky soils where other plants struggle, thanks to its tough, adaptable roots. - **Color Changer:** Oregon Stonecrop's leaves can blush brilliant red or orange when exposed to strong sunlight or cold temperatures. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 5-15 cm - **Spread:** 30-60 cm - **Flower Size:** 0.5-1 cm - **Bloom Season:** Late spring to summer - **Edible:** Yes - **Toxicity:** None - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Insect ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** Western honey bee (*Apis mellifera*) — collects nectar and pollen - **Eaten by:** [Banana slug](https://www.snappit.app/explore/banana-slug) (*Ariolimax columbianus*) — grazes on its succulent leaves - **Pollinates:** Western bumblebee (*Bombus occidentalis*) — a key native pollinator - **Shelter:** Common black ground beetle (*Pterostichus melanarius*) — finds cover under its dense mats ## Traits - [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle. - [Summer Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/summer-blooming): Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished. - [Drought Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/drought-tolerant): Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability. - [Succulent](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/succulent): Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Edible](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/edible): Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always look but don't touch plants without asking an adult first. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Oregon Stonecrop? Compare leaf arrangement, rosette shape, ribs, spines and flowers. Keep in mind that drought and strong sun can shift a plant's color and shape. Succulent Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is Oregon Stonecrop? 5-15 cm ### How wide does Oregon Stonecrop spread? 30-60 cm ### How big are the flowers on Oregon Stonecrop? 0.5-1 cm ### When does Oregon Stonecrop bloom? Late spring to summer ### Is Oregon Stonecrop edible? Yes ### Is Oregon Stonecrop toxic? None ### What is Oregon Stonecrop's lifecycle? Perennial ## Where to spot - [Santiam State Forest](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/santiam-state-forest) — Oregon, US · Forest - [Nisqually Entrance Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/nisqually-entrance-historic-district) — Washington, US · Historic District - [White River Entrance](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/white-river-entrance) — Washington, US · Historic District - [South Texada Island Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/south-texada-island-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park - [Anderson Bay Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/anderson-bay-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park [View all places to see Oregon Stonecrop](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/oregon-stonecrop) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Oregon Stonecrop: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/oregon-stonecrop)