Burro's tail - Sedum morganianum (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Burro's tail

Also known as: Lamb's tail, Donkey tail

The stems of burro's tail grow upright at first, then bend when they reach a certain height and creep to the ground. This makes them perfect for planting in large hanging pots. Plant a hanging pot full of burro's tail seedlings and over time they will slowly form a "waterfall" shape.

Scientific classification

Species

Burro's tail (Sedum morganianum)

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent, Vine, Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer

Bloom Time

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Red, Pink, Purple, Yellow, Orange

Flower Color

Green, Blue, Purple

Stem Color

Summer dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Burro's tail

Distribution of Burro's tail

Distribution Map

Burro's tail is primarily native to Central America. Beyond its natural habitats, burro's tail has been introduced and now flourishes in various parts of North America and Asia, evidence of its adaptability. Furthermore, burro's tail is commonly cultivated, highlighting its ease of care and popularity across different climates.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Vertical cliffs of igneous rock in the Tropical Deciduous Forest zone

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

With long draped succulent stems, the burro's tail looks best when potted in hanging baskets that allow its tendrils to hang without disruption. It is also well suited to pollinator and children's gardens. Good companion plants include Fire Sticks, Aeoniums, and Stonecrop.

Symbolism

Many sons and many blessings

Interesting Facts

The meaning of "Yuzhui" (the common name of the plant) originates in Japan. When it was introduced as a succulent plant, the shape of its leaves seemed very similar to jade and a whole string of jade, so the plant was named accordingly.

Name Story

Burro's tail: Burro's tail plant is named for its long cylindrical shaped stem. It is a hanging plant with long stems covered with overlapping, blue-green, cylindrical leaves, giving the appearance of an animal's tail.

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Quickly Identify Burro's tail

Trailing stems up to 3 feet (90 cm) long

Succulent, boat-shaped leaves with a bluish-green hue

Small, deep pink flowers with yellow anthers

Star-shaped, dry fruit less than 0.4 inches (1 cm)

Smooth, succulent stems with a braided appearance

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Care Guide for Burro's tail

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: Burro's tail thrives in arid-like conditions with minimal water, preferring watering every three weeks. This drought-tolerant evergreen is often grown indoors, where stable temperatures and careful soil moisture management prevent root rot, ensuring its year-round health and charm.

Fertilize: Fertilize burro's tail monthly with a balanced succulent fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) at quarter strength. Avoid over-fertilization; reduce feeding in dormant periods (fall and winter) to prevent nutrient overload. Use well-diluted solutions for safety and accuracy.

Pruning: To maintain burro's tail's shape, prune redundant or dense branches in spring and fall using tools like knives and scissors. For propagation, cut a stout stem with 5-6 leaves, apply sulfur powder to the wound, and plant once healed, ensuring the soil is slightly moist.

Propagation: Burro's tail is a succulent ideal for propagation via cuttings. After removing a leaf or stem section, let the cut surface callous, then plant in well-draining, sandy soil. Water moderately to avoid waterlogging, allowing roots to establish and new growth to emerge.

Repotting: Repot burro's tail in spring every 2 years using a shallow, wide pot. After repotting, provide bright, indirect light and refrain from watering for a week to prevent root rot. Handle carefully, as burro's tail has fragile leaves and thrives with attentive care.

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