Cascade Stonecrop
Sedum divergens
Care
full sun
low
Fast
0–0ft tall
Resistant
Friendly
Leaves eaten raw or cooked; succulent with mild flavor
High elevation endemic to the Cascade Range and northern Sierra Nevada in northeastern and central California, 6000-10000 ft elevation, on rocky slopes and alpine areas.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Cascade Stonecrop in full sun in a location with fast-draining soil - it thrives in gravelly or rocky conditions and won't tolerate wet feet. The Bay Area's mild winters mean you can plant in fall or spring, though fall gives the plant time to establish before summer heat. Space plants about 12 inches apart since they spread low and wide. This is a perfect candidate for containers, rock gardens, or anywhere you want a low-maintenance groundcover.
After Planting
Water weekly during your first summer to help it establish, then taper off as it matures - by year two, you should rarely need to water except during drought. This is an evergreen plant that requires minimal pruning; just remove any dead growth in spring if needed. The #1 mistake Bay Area gardeners make is overwatering, especially in containers where drainage is key. Once established, Cascade Stonecrop is tough and deer-resistant, asking only for sun and well-draining soil to thrive.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Primary foraging during peak bloom and nectar availability in alpine/subalpine meadows
Caterpillars feed on Sedum species; critical early season host plant for larval development
Dense mat-forming growth provides microhabitat refuge for ground-dwelling arthropods
Early spring foraging during alpine emergence; visits small succulent flowers
Inhabit dense mats and leaf litter; overwinter within stonecrop colonies