Any of about 600 species of succulent plants that make up the genus Sedum , in the stonecrop, or orpine, family (Crassulaceae), native to temperate zones and to mountains in the tropics.
Some species are grown in greenhouses for their unusual foliage and sometimes showy flowers of white, yellow, pink, or red. Low-growing varieties are popular in rock gardens and rock walls, and as edging in garden borders. Some species form mosslike mats on rocks and walls.