Sedum Sedum, L.

14. S. acre L. View in CoL , Sp. Pl. 432 (1753).

Glabrous, laxly caespitose, with short non-flowering shoots and flowering stems 5-12 cm. Leaves 3-6 mm, thick, elliptical in section, broadest below the middle (usually triangular-ovoid, rarely subconical), obtuse, shortly spurred, rather densely imbricate on the non-flowering shoots; usually deciduous (if persistent after death, then pure white, soft and papery). Flowers pedicellate or subsessile, in small cymes with usually spreading branches. Petals 6-8 mm, acute to acuminate, bright yellow, patent. Follicles gibbous, stellate-patent, with long slender styles. 2zz = 40, 48, 80. Almost throughout Europe. All except Az Bl?Co Sa Sb Tu.

Very variable in size, leaf-shape, and size of inflorescence and flowers. Many local populations have been given specific or subspecific rank, but their supposedly diagnostic features can usually be matched in regions very remote from those from which they were described.