Sedum is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Crassulaceae, members of which are commonly known as stonecrops. The genus has been described as containing up to 600 species of leaf succulents that are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, varying from annual and creeping herbs to shrubs. The plants have water-storing leaves. The flowers usually have five petals, seldom four or six. There are typically twice as many stamens as petals. Many sedums are cultivated as garden plants, due to their interesting and attractive appearance and hardiness. The leaves of all stonecrops are edible. Sedum acre was used as a medicinal to treat epilepsy and skin disease, as well as an abortifacient in ancient Greece. Sedum can be used to provide a roof covering in green roofs, where they are preferred to grasses. Most Sedum species are well suited to pot culture and do very well in rockeries.

Sedum palmeri is a very neat and attractive smaller succulent that forms small clumps to 20cm tall of 2.5cm to 5cm wide dusty green rosettes of rounded leaves that are held on narrow week stems that rise upwards and then lay over. In winter over several months appear the brilliant yellow starry flowers in lateral inflorescences that arch out then downwards. Plant in a well-drained soil in full coastal sun or light shade inland to fairly dense shade – this plant is noted as being one of the most shade-tolerant of sedums but if grown in bright light the green leaves will blush with pink. Water it regularly to occasionally. It is cold hardy to -7°C and some say it can handle temperatures closer to -17°C. They are heat resistant and drought tolerant too. Irrigate more or repot when plants drop lower leaves. This is a great plant for a soil pocket on a wall, as a container specimen or in a hanging basket. It is particularly nice in shade where its cheery yellow flowers are a welcome sight in winter.