Sedum radiatum subsp. depauperatum
Depauperate or ashland stonecrop
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Crassulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Sedum radiatum subsp. depauperatum (Depauperate or ashland stonecrop) is a native California herb in the Crassulaceae family, recognized by subtle differences from subsp. radiatum in flower color and leaf texture.
Depauperate stonecrop is a California native perennial found in rocky habitats of northern California at elevations of 400 to 1,600 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces white petals with yellow, orange, or red anthers in delicate clusters. Growing with low-spreading stems, it forms compact mats on gravelly and serpentine slopes. Its mid-green to yellow-green leaves are papillate near the tip, creating a soft, textured appearance. The plant thrives in brushy openings and on eroding slopes, showing remarkable adaptability to challenging terrain.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 18 sympatric species; subtle differences from subsp. radiatum in flower color and leaf texture
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky, gravelly or eroding slopes, brushy openings, tolerant of serpentine
Elevation: 400-1600 m
Outside California: to adjacent sw Oregon
Bloom period
Sedum radiatum subsp. depauperatum blooms Jun-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Crassula: Sedum has flowers over 4mm wide; Crassula has tiny flowers typically under 3mm.; vs Aeonium: Sedum leaves have completely smooth edges; Aeonium has tiny hairs along leaf margins.; vs Dudleya: Sedum flowers cluster at stem tips; Dudleya flower stalks emerge from leaf axils on the side.; vs Echeveria: Sedum doesn't form tight rosettes; Echeveria grows in compact, symmetrical rosettes.; vs Sedella: Sedum is perennial with leaves over 1cm; Sedella is annual with tiny leaves under 1cm.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sedum radiatum subsp. depauperatum native to California?
Yes. Sedum radiatum subsp. depauperatum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Sedum radiatum subsp. depauperatum bloom?
Sedum radiatum subsp. depauperatum blooms Jun-Jul.
What plant family does Sedum radiatum subsp. depauperatum belong to?
Sedum radiatum subsp. depauperatum is in the Crassulaceae family, genus Sedum.
What habitat does Sedum radiatum subsp. depauperatum grow in?
Sedum radiatum subsp. depauperatum grows in Rocky, gravelly or eroding slopes, brushy openings, tolerant of serpentine.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.