Sedum stenopetalum subsp. ciliosum
Pale wormleaf stonecrop
Photo: parent species Sedum stenopetalum · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Crassulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Sedum stenopetalum subsp. ciliosum (Pale wormleaf stonecrop) is a native California herb in the Crassulaceae family, recognized by distinguished mainly by white flowers and ciliate leaf margins.
Pale wormleaf stonecrop is a California native perennial found in rocky, dry slopes at elevations of 1,600 to 2,000 meters. Flowering in July, this plant produces delicate white flowers with green to white filaments. Growing in low, compact rosettes with stems emerging from dense leaf clusters, it forms small mats across rocky terrain. Its leaves are distinctive, with outer rosette leaves having slightly papillate-ciliate margins near the tips, creating a subtle textured appearance. The compact growth and white flowers make this stonecrop a subtle but charming alpine plant.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 18 sympatric species; distinguished mainly by white flowers and ciliate leaf margins
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry sunny rocky slopes
Elevation: 1600-2000 m
Outside California: to nw Oregon
Bloom period
Sedum stenopetalum subsp. ciliosum blooms 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 stenopetalum subsp. ciliosum native to California?
Yes. Sedum stenopetalum subsp. ciliosum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Sedum stenopetalum subsp. ciliosum bloom?
Sedum stenopetalum subsp. ciliosum blooms Jul.
What plant family does Sedum stenopetalum subsp. ciliosum belong to?
Sedum stenopetalum subsp. ciliosum is in the Crassulaceae family, genus Sedum.
What habitat does Sedum stenopetalum subsp. ciliosum grow in?
Sedum stenopetalum subsp. ciliosum grows in dry sunny rocky slopes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Sedum stenopetalum subsp. stenopetalum — Yellow wormleaf stonecrop
- Sedum albomarginatum — Feather river stonecrop
- Sedum album — White stonecrop
- Sedum citrinum — Blue creek stonecrop
- Sedum divergens — Cascade stonecrop
- Sedum eastwoodiae — Red mountain stonecrop
- Aeonium arboreum var. arboreum — Canary Islands aeonium
- Aeonium haworthii — Haworth's aeonium
- Aeonium sp.
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.