Widow's cross

Sedum comes from the latin word ‘sedeo’ which means “to sit”, most likely in reference to the recumbent nature of most sedums. The latin meaning of ‘pulchellum’ is pretty or beautiful. This certainly applies here. There are multiple common names for Sedum pulchellum. Two of these are Widow’s cross and Glade stonecrop. The name Widow’s cross refers to the shape of the flower–there are four petals in a cross pattern. Glade stonecrop is an obvious reference to its typical habitat.

The colors of Sedum pulchellum are candy heart pink and lime green. Tiny dots of black and red complete the picture. At close range, it almost seems too intense—like a teenager’s room. But, I don’t think we are meant to look so closely. The beauty of this plant is perhaps better appreciated when you step back and take in the blooms and foliage in combination with the native limestone.

The flowers appear on horizontal branches at the top of the plant. This results in a carpet of pink when the plants are in full bloom. Many tiny flowers are packed on each branch. The flowers bloom sequentially from the base of the stem to its tip, with each flower having 4 petals (occasionally 5). Each flower has 4 pistils and 8 stamens that spray outward, appearing above and between the petals. This gives the flowers a pretty polka dot charm. The anthers initially have a striking dark red coloration which transitions to black.

Sedum pulchellum is a low-growing sedum reaching a height of about 8 inches. In the literature, I’ve found it described as an annual, biennial or short-lived perennial. I think it probably depends on the local climate. On Ozarkedge, it reappears in the same areas each spring, but I haven’t determined if that is from reseeding (annual) or regrowth (biennial or perennial).

In early spring, if you look closely, you'll find the tiny plants emerging along with their small glade companions. The initial growth is wondefully colorful, but you'll have to get on hands and knees to appreciate it.

The succulent leaves are sessile and appear alternately on the branching stems. The stem is pink to light green. It divides into 3 - 5 horizontal branches at its top. The lime green leaves are sometimes shaded red in the early spring. This may be due to the sun, but I suspect it has more to do with the cool spring weather.

When June arrives, the flowers fade and the leaves begin to turn crispy brown. Seeds are set and dropped, awaiting the next spring to sprout.

Sedum pulchellum may be a tiny plant but it supports a lot of pollinators! Both pollen and nectar are abundantly available for visiting insects. Numerous bees, bee flies, butterflies and other insects visit this plant.

Just look at this beautiful American Lady butterfly nectaring on the flowers of Sedum pulchellum!

Bees are also eager to sample the copious amounts of nectar and pollen this plant provides.

Limestone glades with poor, dry, rocky soil and full sun exposure are the preferred habitat for Sedum pulchellum. It may also be seen in rocky outcrops of woodlands.

Sedum pulchellum is native to 12 states- Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Natureserve lists it as Unranked in most states, but is considered Critically Imperiled in Virginia and Mississippi. It is Vulnerable in Georgia and Apparently Secure in Kansas and Tennessee. All other states in which it is documented show No Status Rank.

Widow's cross is an ideal plant to tuck in cracks of a rock walkway. It can take the sun and heat, and is resilient if stepped on occasionally. It is also a great choice for a rock garden.