Broadleaf Stonecrop or Spoon-leaved Stonecrop (Sedum spathulifolium) is endemic to western North America, thriving in both coastal and inland regions. It is naturally found in a variety of dry habitats, including rocky slopes, cliffs, and crevices, as well as dry meadows and open woodlands with shallow soils. A highly variable succulent with several available cultivars such as “Cape Blanco” and “Carnea”, the drought-adapted leaves can range from spoon to diamond-shaped and overlap on trailing stems, creating a visually striking, compact rosette that can range in color from green to shades of red and purple depending on genetics, season, and sun exposure. In full bloom, the many bright yellow flowers of large colonies in open environments can give entire slopes and cliffs the appearance of being draped in gold. 
 
Plants in harsher environments tend to be more thoroughly coated with a white powder known as “farina”, which is produced by the leaves and not only gives the plants a luminous appearance, but more importantly acts as a sunscreen and helps to protect them from both drought and excess rainfall. This is entirely normal and a sign of good adaptability. If dense white powder is present in patches or irregular patterns, this can be a sign of mildew infection and may be caused by improper watering.
 
Broadleaf Stonecrop produces clusters of star-shaped, yellow flowers on short, open panicles in the summer months, typically from June to August. The flowers are laden with nectar and especially attractive to native bees, bumblebees, butterflies, syrphid flies, and small solitary wasps. This plant is an important host for several butterfly and moth species, including the Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia), Moss’s Elfin (Callophrys mossii), and the federally endangered San Bruno Elfin (Callophrys mossii bayensis), endemic to the San Fransico peninsula. Broadleaf Stonecrop also serves as one of few primary hosts for the fully parasitic but beautiful One-flower Cancer Root (Orobanche uniflora). The lush, low foliage provides habitat and cover for small invertebrates and insects, which in turn attract beneficial insectivorous predators such as snakes, lizards, and spiders. 
 
Broadleaf Stonecrop is also well-suited for container gardening, xeriscapes, sunlit pathway borders, and green roofs. Plants thrive in soils ranging from sandy and loamy to rocky substrates, as long as they are well-draining. For successful germination, surface sow the seeds on prepared, sandy soil in fall or late winter and press them gently into the substrate. Maintain even moisture until germination occurs and seedlings are well established. Once mature, plants can be cloned from small fragments with minimal effort.