Ditch stonecrop

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Ditch stonecrop leaves

Ditch stonecrop

Ditch stonecrop

Ditch stonecrop stamens and pistils

Ditch stonecrop inflorescence

Ditch stonecrop

Morphology

Stem

Erect to ascending, simple or sparingly branched above, glabrous below, glandular in the inflorescence.

Leaves

Alternate, short-stalked or sessile, lanceolate to narrowly elliptical, 2 to 5 inches long, .8 to 1.6 inch wide, glabrous, shiny, sharply toothed, tapering at base, tip pointed.

Inflorescence

Cyme, spike-like, 2-6-branched, terminal; branches 1 to 3 inches long, curved downward, bearing flowers on upper side.

Flower

Sepals usually 5, rarely 6 or 7, light greenish, erect to slightly spreading; petals absent or inconspicuous when present, 5 to rarely 7, 1/6 inch long; stamens 10; pistils 5-7, united to middle.

Fruit

Capsule, 5-angled, ring-like, turning reddish at maturity; lobes horn-shaped, spreading; seeds many, pink, oval.

Ecology

Habitat

Stream banks, ditches, marshes, edges of lakes and ponds, often in standing water; wet soils.

Distribution

Principally east 2/3 of Kansas.

Practical Information

Uses

The leaves were cooked as a potherb and the seeds were used to make a cough treatment.

Additional Notes