Stonecrop

Stonecrops are a large genus (Sedum) of 600 or so of small plants that typically grow in rocky, dry areas like the eastern Columbia River Gorge, hence the common name. There is an Oregon Stonecrop that is common along the entire west coast, but I don't think the one below is it.

In researching the sedum plants, I learned they are all edible to one degree or another and are sometimes used as roof plantings! Now that's flexibility! I had not seen any to date, but discovered these growing near our road in a dry sunny spot. I have to wonder how these got here!

Sedum means "to sit" in Latin, referring to how the plants sit low to the ground.

The flowers are bright yellow and appear on a four inch stem, above the small, succulent leaves. The plant is like a ground cover. 6/24/2013.