stonecrop: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Botanical, Literary/Descriptive
Quick answer
What does “stonecrop” mean?
Any of various succulent plants, typically with fleshy leaves, belonging to the genus Sedum or related genera, often growing on walls, rocks, or in dry, stony places.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any of various succulent plants, typically with fleshy leaves, belonging to the genus Sedum or related genera, often growing on walls, rocks, or in dry, stony places.
In older or dialectal usage, can refer to any plant that grows on stones, or sometimes to a small stone or pebble.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The botanical term is used identically.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties; a technical plant name.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties; familiar mainly to gardeners, botanists, and naturalists.
Grammar
How to Use “stonecrop” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] stonecrop grew on the old wall.We planted stonecrop for ground cover.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stonecrop” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The area was gradually stonecropped with resilient sedums.
American English
- They stonecropped the rocky slope to prevent erosion.
adjective
British English
- The stonecrop family includes many drought-tolerant species.
American English
- We admired the stonecrop coverage on the dry bank.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in botanical texts, horticulture papers, and ecological studies discussing pioneer species in rocky habitats.
Everyday
Rarely used. Might appear in gardening magazines or conversations among keen gardeners.
Technical
Standard term in botany and horticulture for plants in the Crassulaceae family, especially genus Sedum.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stonecrop”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stonecrop”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stonecrop”
- Using 'stonecrop' to refer to any small stone or gravel.
- Confusing it with 'houseleek' (Sempervivum), a related but distinct succulent.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in common usage 'stonecrop' is the name for plants in the genus Sedum, though it can sometimes include closely related genera.
While some Sedum species have been used historically in salads or as a garnish, many are not palatable and some may cause stomach upset. It is not recommended without expert knowledge.
Yes, most stonecrops are exceptionally hardy, drought-tolerant succulents that are very easy to grow in well-drained soil and full sun.
The 'crop' here comes from an old meaning of 'a sprout or head of a plant', so 'stonecrop' essentially means 'a plant that sprouts from stones'.
Any of various succulent plants, typically with fleshy leaves, belonging to the genus Sedum or related genera, often growing on walls, rocks, or in dry, stony places.
Stonecrop is usually technical/botanical, literary/descriptive in register.
Stonecrop: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstəʊnkrɒp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstoʊnkrɑːp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a plant that 'crops' up among 'stones'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANT IS A PIONEER / RESILIENCE; the stonecrop metaphorically represents hardiness and the ability to thrive in harsh, infertile conditions.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary habitat suggested by the name 'stonecrop'?