Biting stonecrop (goldmoss) Sedum acre
Biting stonecrop (goldmoss) (Sedum acre) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Crassulaceae family, native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia, on walls, dunes and dry grassland. It grows 3–10 cm (1–4 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
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Biting stonecrop (goldmoss) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Mature height | 3–10 cm (1–4 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe, North Africa and western Asia, on walls, dunes and dry grassland |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada |
Is Biting stonecrop (goldmoss) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
The peppery leaves contain alkaloids and irritant substances: eating them causes mouth irritation and vomiting.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Biting stonecrop (goldmoss)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Biting stonecrop (goldmoss)
- How far apart should I plant Biting stonecrop (goldmoss)?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Biting stonecrop (goldmoss) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Biting stonecrop (goldmoss) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Biting stonecrop (goldmoss)?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Biting stonecrop (goldmoss) flower?
- From about June for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Biting stonecrop (goldmoss) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. The peppery leaves contain alkaloids and irritant substances: eating them causes mouth irritation and vomiting.
- What grows well with Biting stonecrop (goldmoss)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Biting stonecrop (goldmoss). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- A tiny, tough mat of bright green, peppery-tasting leaves smothered in starry yellow flowers in early summer. Grows in cracks of walls, on gravel and in a few centimetres of soil, so it is a standard plant for green roofs. Can spread into lawns and paths.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Stonecrop (sedum) Hylotelephium spectabile
- Jade plant Crassula ovata
- Mexican snowball (echeveria) Echeveria elegans
- Common houseleek Sempervivum tectorum
- Roseroot Rhodiola rosea
- Ghost plant (mother-of-pearl plant) Graptopetalum paraguayense
- Moonstones (sugared almond plant) Pachyphytum oviferum
- Burro’s tail (donkey’s tail) Sedum morganianum