Sedum takesimense, Giving the Impression of a Cluster of Tiny Stars

Hylotelephium verticillatum (Sedum verticillatum) is a perennial herb belonging to the Crassulaceae family in the Rosales order of dicotyledonous plants.

But have you ever wondered why it's called 'Three-leaf Stonecrop'? This plant is named so because its leaves grow in whorls of three, hence 'Three-leaf', and it's a type of stonecrop. The name 'Stonecrop' is believed to have originated from three possible reasons. One theory is that it's similar to amaranth but grows in mountains, hence the name. Another reason is that its leaves resemble purslane, and its slender, tall stem and flower stalk resemble a pheasant's leg, thus leading to the name 'Stonecrop'. Finally, another theory suggests that it's a native plant that grows in areas where pheasants roam, and its leaves fall like dandruff (the Gangwon-do dialect for dandruff) when touched, leading to the name.

Three-leaf Stonecrop thrives in rocky crevices and grasslands in mountainous regions. It typically grows to a height of 30-50 cm. Its leaves grow in whorls, although some may grow opposite each other. They have an oval or lanceolate shape with blunt teeth along the edges. It's often said that they have partial dark brown spots.

Flowers bloom from August to September, with a yellowish-greenish white color. It has 5 egg-shaped sepals and 5 lanceolate petals. The fruit is egg-shaped. It's found in Korea, Japan, Kamchatka, China, Siberia, and Europe. The flowers resemble small, cute stars, giving off a delicate and charming vibe.

Its flower language is “Obedience, Hope, Life, Peace”.

It's a hardy plant that requires minimal care, making it easy for beginners to cultivate. In Germany and other countries, it's widely used as a roofing or rooftop covering material for green roof landscaping. It also serves as a habitat for various insects, contributing to enhanced biodiversity. Young shoots can be used as a vegetable, and in traditional medicine, the whole plant (called 'Gyeongcheon') has been used to treat fever, detoxification, hemostasis, sore throat, and hemoptysis.

I had never heard of Three-leaf Stonecrop before, but learning about the origin of the name 'Stonecrop' was both interesting and memorable. Not only does the Three-leaf Stonecrop bring joy with its pretty and dainty flowers, but in today's world where environmental issues are severe, it's also heartwarming to know that it contributes to enhancing biodiversity. I'm truly grateful for its presence.

I hope this information was helpful. Thank you for reading!