Lance-Leaf Stonecrop
Sedum lanceolatum Torr
On the naked rocks on the Kooskooskie. Jun: 5th. 1806. Collected
near Kamiah in Idaho Co., Idaho, on 5 Jun 1806. (Source)
Lance-leaved stonecrop is a succulent, perennial herb, with
smooth herbage and erect stems from 5-20 cm high, tufted from slender rhizomes.
Frequently, many sterile shoots or basal rosettes of leaves are present. The
leaves alternate on the stems and are found in dense clusters on the basal
rosettes. Individual leaves are fleshy, about .5-20 mm long, linear or
linear-lanceolate in shape, and ovate or round in cross-section. The tips of the
leaves are blunt. The leaves may be greenish, reddish, or purplish in color, and
may be covered with a white, waxy powder. It is in leaf all year, in flower
from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September.
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and
requires well-drained soil. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate
drought.
It is found in the Rocky Mountains.
Food Use
The leaves are eaten either raw or cooked, but older leaves become bitter.
It has a cucumber-like flavor.
Medicinal Uses
The plant is high in vitamins A and C. It is slightly
astringent and mucilaginous with the juice and mashed leaves applied to wounds,
ulcers, minor burns, insect bites, and other skin irritations. It is also laxative. An infusion of the stems,
leaves and flowers has been taken to clean out the womb after childbirth.
Planting
Prefers a damp peaty soil and a position in full sun[1, 164]. Requires a
lime-free soil. Seed - surface sow on a peat based compost in spring in a cold
frame. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 4 weeks at 10°c. When large
enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on
in the cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring
or early summer after the last expected frosts. Division of offsets in spring or
autumn. (PFAF)
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