native stonecrop

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Like an open star cluster swirling in deep space,

Woodland or mountain stonecrop (Sedum ternatum) is the most widespread native Sedum species in eastern North America. Generally found growing on rocks, as the one I recently photographed near LeConte Creek in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

This native stonecrop can be distinguished from other sedums, native and cultivated, which are commonly found in the U.S. by the white flowers with four (not five) petals—others are yellow or pink—and by the leaves in whorls of three.

- Photo taken in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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