Common Stonecrop

(Sedum acre L., Crassulaceae)

Also Called: Wall-pepper

Description: Perennial plant 5-15cm (2-6in) high with many leafy stems forming mats.
Leaves small (3-4mm (0.1-0.15in) ), sessile, cylindrical, fleshy with pungent taste.
Flowers, in a terminal inflore scence, deep yellow, 1-5 cm (0.6in) in diameter, 5 sepals, 5 petals.
Flowering: May-August.

Part Used: Entire plant either fresh or dried. It appears to be most efficacious when the leaves begin to wither.

Habitat and Collection: In dry sunny places, on stony places, on walls, rocks, roofs, roadsides and fields, throughout Britain.
When gathering, the plant should not be confused with 'Insipid Stonecrop' (S. sexangulare L.) found on old walls in some places in England and Wales, its flowers are smaller and the plant lacks the pungent taste.

Constituents and Action: Active constituents not fully known.
Alkaloids are present which cause slight excitation followed by mild somnolence; they also dilate the pupil and lower blood pressure.
Organic acids present.
The pulped fresh leaves are rubefacient.
In high doses the drug causes headache, nausea and slight inebriation; it should be regarded as poisonous.

Usage: Usually the bruised plant is applied to wounds to promote healing or to cure warts and corns.
This action is doubtful. It is not administered internally.