Sedum oxypetalum is a small succulent shrub with a stout trunk and upright stems with pale gray-green papery peeling bark. It is sometimes deciduous and grows up to 4 feet (1.2 m) tall. Leaves are small, rounded, medium green with a small notch at the tip.
As a deciduous plant it can be hardy to 15 to 20 °F but for us it retains some leaves and tolerates our natural winter rainfall and near freezing temperatures. A great plant for a small treelike bonsai and very tolerant of being held for long periods in small pots.
Sedum oxypetalum is one of the only tree sedums. It can grow up to a height of 4′ as a small tree-shaped shrub with a thick stubby trunk and upright stems. It is prized for its architectural shape and its papery peeling bark. Sedum oxypetalum makes a nice small bonsai-type tree in a large container.