Gold Moss Stonecrop (Note: This is a succulent, not a true grass)
Sedum acre · Perennial succulent; CAM photosynthesis (similar to C4 in water efficiency)
Grass Family
Crassulaceae (Stonecrop family); not in the Poaceae grass family
Grass Category
Groundcover / Ornamental / Rock Garden Plant
Variety / Cultivar
Common Gold Moss / Biting Stonecrop
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 9; extremely cold-hardy and heat-tolerant. Stays evergreen in many climates.
About This Grass
A low-growing, evergreen succulent that forms a dense, moss-like carpet. It produces bright yellow star-shaped flowers in late spring to summer. The plant stays very low to the ground, typically 1 to 3 inches tall.
Blade Characteristics
Leaves are small (3-6mm), succulent, fleshy, and cylindrical to ovate. They are bright lime-green to yellowish-green, arranged spirally or imbricated on the stems. Unlike grass, they lack a ligule, auricles, or a midvein.
Root System
Shallow, fibrous root system; spreads easily via stem fragments that root wherever they touch the soil. Does not form a traditional turf sod but creates a thick succulent mat.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia; naturalized across North America
Growth Habit
Mat-forming perennial; creeping stems that root at nodes (stoloniferous-like habit)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; extremely low water needs. High drought tolerance; prefers well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils with neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Mowing & Maintenance
Not intended for mowing as it is a succulent. Maintenance is very low; requires no fertilization and thrives in poor soils. Can be hand-pulled if it spreads beyond desired areas.
Special Characteristics
Excellent drought resistance; salt tolerant; deer and rabbit resistant. High ability to grow in cracks of pavement or rocky outcrops where true grasses fail.
Ecological Information
Introduced species in North America; can be invasive in specific thin-soil habitats or rocky glades. Provides nectar for small pollinators during its blooming period.