This wildflower is a winter annual about 4-12' tall. The stems are either unbranched, or they branch at the base of each plant; they are pale red, terete, glabrous, and glaucous. Alternate leaves are arranged somewhat densely around the stems; they are about ½-1' long, 2-3 mm. across, and ascending to widely spreading. Individual leaves are pale green, linear in shape, subterete (circular, but slightly flattened in cross-section), and glabrous. The leaf bases slightly clasp the stems; each leaf has a pair of minute auricles (ear-like lobes) at its base. Each stem terminates in a cyme of flowers up to 6' across. Each cyme has 3-7 horizontal branches that are spaced widely apart; the flowers are densely arranged along the upper sides of these branches (typically 10-40 flowers per branch). The flowers are sessile or nearly sessile (on pedicels less than 1 mm. in length). Each flower spans about ½' across, consisting of 4 pink petals (rarely white), 4 pale green sepals, a cluster of 4 pistils, and 8 stamens. The petals and sepals are linear-lanceolate in shape; the petals are about twice the length of the sepals. The narrowly ovoid pistils are light pink (less often white) during the blooming period; each pistil has a single style. The anthers are initially dark red, but they turn black shortly afterwards. Among the flowers, there are bracts that resemble the leaves, except they are about one-half the size of the latter. The blooming period occurs during late spring to early summer, lasting about 1 month. Afterwards, the flowers are replaced by clusters of 4 spreading follicles; these follicles are about ¼' long, narrowly ovoid in shape, and prominently beaked. Immature follicles are pale green, but at maturity they turn brown. Eventually, each follicle splits open along one side to release numerous seeds. The root system is fibrous. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself. At favorable sites, it often forms colonies of plants.

The native Widow's Cross occurs in southern Illinois, where it is uncommon. Illinois lies along the northern range of this species. Habitats include rocky cliffs, exposed rocky ledges, and rocky glades, particularly in areas where there is exposed flat bedrock. The underlying bedrock in these habitats consists of sandstone, limestone, or chert. Widow's Cross is a highly specialized plant that is found in high quality natural areas.

Sedum pulchellum Azn.:
Turkey (Asia)

Note: This information is based on publications available through Tropicos and may not represent the entire distribution. Tropicos does not categorize distributions as native or non-native.

Sedum vigilimontis Small:
United States (North America)

Note: This information is based on publications available through Tropicos and may not represent the entire distribution. Tropicos does not categorize distributions as native or non-native.

Sedum pulchellum Michx.:
United States (North America)

Note: This information is based on publications available through Tropicos and may not represent the entire distribution. Tropicos does not categorize distributions as native or non-native.

United States

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

Type collection for Sedum vigilimontis Small
Catalog Number: US 394692
Collection: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany
Verification Degree: Card file verified by examination of alleged type specimen
Preparation: Pressed specimen
Collector(s): A. H. Curtiss
Year Collected: 1901
Locality: Lookout Mts., near Rising Fawn., Georgia, United States, North America

The native Widow's Cross occurs in southern Illinois, where it is uncommon. Illinois lies along the northern range of this species. Habitats include rocky cliffs, exposed rocky ledges, and rocky glades, particularly in areas where there is exposed flat bedrock. The underlying bedrock in these habitats consists of sandstone, limestone, or chert. Widow's Cross is a highly specialized plant that is found in high quality natural areas.

Very little is known about floral-faunal relationships for this species. Generally, the flowers of sedums (Sedum spp.) are cross-pollinated by small bees (Andrena spp., etc.) and probably other insects. Both nectar and pollen are available as floral rewards to such visitors. In areas where Widow's Cross and other sedums are cultivated (especially nurseries and greenhouses), they may be attacked by Aphis sedi (Sedum Aphid). This aphid was introduced into North America from Eurasia.

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: N5 - Secure

Rounded Global Status Rank: G5 - Secure

The preference is full sun, dry conditions, and thin rocky soil. Partial sun is tolerated, although there will be a greater tendency for individual plants to sprawl in the direction of greater light. Seeds typically germinate in the fall, allowing young plants to overwinter in a dormant state. Most growth and development occur during the spring. The leaves wither away during the hot weather of summer as individual plants die down. This plant has a crassula acid metabolism (CAM) that enables it to survive in xeric conditions. Like other sedums (Sedum spp.), Widow's Cross can be cultivated in sunny rock gardens.