Sheffield's Seed Company Page

Discover the intriguing Penthorum sedoides, commonly known as Ditch Stonecrop or Virginia Stonecrop—an enchanting perennial native to the eastern United States and Canada. This unique plant captures attention with its unconventional appearance: light green, slightly serrated leaves alternate along stems, culminating in branching clusters of small greenish-yellow flowers reminiscent of octopus tentacles. As the season progresses, these blossoms transform to a striking rusty red-orange, providing a vibrant display in late fall.

Ditch Stonecrop thrives in full to partial sunlight and favors wet, medium-wet soils. Its natural habitat spans ditches, marshes, and shorelines, and, under ideal conditions, it forms colonies through rhizome spread. This plant stands at about 2 feet tall, blooming between June and September, adding a splash of life to USDA Zones 2-9.

Aquarium enthusiasts will find Penthorum sedoides a versatile choice. Its moderate growth can be adapted to lower light levels, resulting in upright growth, or to higher lights, promoting a creeping style—ideal for midground placement in planted tanks.

Historically utilized by Native Americans for various remedies, this stonecrop is a member of the Crassulaceae family but stands out with its distinct structure, devoid of the typical succulent leaves. With its star-shaped red fruit and ability to enhance wetland gardens, Penthorum sedoides is a cherished gem for both aquarium hobbyists and gardeners seeking native plant interest.