Sedum radiatum subsp. radiatum
Star-fruited, coast range stonecrop
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Crassulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Sedum radiatum subsp. radiatum (Star-fruited) is a native California herb in the Crassulaceae family, recognized by distinctive yellow flowers and shiny leaves with reddish aging veins.
Star-fruited sedum is a California native perennial found in various bioregions on rocky, gravelly, or eroding slopes, dry cliffs, ledges, grassy bluffs, and open forests at elevations of 20 to 2,300 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces bright yellow flowers with lanceolate petals that are acuminate in shape. Growing with stems that range from strongly flattened to nearly round in cross-section, it develops mid-green to bronzy or red leaves that can be shiny or dull. Its leaves are distinctive, with conspicuous veins that age to a reddish color, and vary from smooth to slightly papillate near the tips. The plant thrives in diverse conditions, from full sun to full shade, and shows remarkable tolerance for challenging terrain including serpentine landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 18 sympatric species; distinctive yellow flowers and shiny leaves with reddish aging veins
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky, gravelly or eroding slopes, dry cliffs, ledges, grassy bluffs, seasonally moist meadows, roadcuts, open forest, full sun to full shade, tolerant of serpentine
Elevation: 20-2300 m
Bloom period
Sedum radiatum subsp. radiatum blooms Apr-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. radiatum native to California?
Yes. Sedum radiatum subsp. radiatum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Sedum radiatum subsp. radiatum bloom?
Sedum radiatum subsp. radiatum blooms Apr-Jul.
What plant family does Sedum radiatum subsp. radiatum belong to?
Sedum radiatum subsp. radiatum is in the Crassulaceae family, genus Sedum.
What habitat does Sedum radiatum subsp. radiatum grow in?
Sedum radiatum subsp. radiatum grows in Rocky, gravelly or eroding slopes, dry cliffs, ledges, grassy bluffs, seasonally moist meadows, roadcuts, open forest, full sun to full shade, 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.