Common Houseleek, a hardy alpine succulent, forms tight rosettes with pink star-shaped flowers. Traditionally grown on rooftops for fire protection and insulation, it is extremely drought-tolerant and cold-hardy. In agroecology, it serves as a ground cover in rocky or poor soils, preventing erosion and providing habitat for beneficial insects. It is well-suited for rock gardens and can be part of a guild with other drought-tolerant plants like thyme and lavender. Historically, it has been used in European folk medicine for its cooling and healing properties.
Growing Details
Extremely hardy to -30ยฐC. Thrives in poor, rocky soils with excellent drainage. Prefers full sun. Mulch with gravel to improve drainage and prevent rot. Companion plants include thyme and lavender. Avoid overwatering and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Harvest leaves as needed, preferably in the morning when they are most turgid. Store leaves in a cool, dry place for short-term use.
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Sempervivum tectorum</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location:
applicable geo region:
language used: en
Flowering:
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Harvest:
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Seed Start:
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Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: Young leaves are edible but acidic and astringent. They can be used sparingly in salads, primarily as a garnish due to their tart flavor.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Fresh leaves are applied topically for burns, cuts, insect bites, warts, and earaches. They have cooling and healing properties similar to aloe vera. Traditionally used in European folk medicine, caution is advised as excessive consumption can cause stomach upset.
health concerns: Excessive consumption may cause stomach upset due to its astringent properties.
other uses: Traditionally planted on rooftops for fire protection and insulation. It is also an ornamental plant in rockeries and spreads naturally to form dense mats, which can help with soil stabilization.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Sempervivum tectorum
common names: Common Houseleek, Hen and Chicks, Roof Housel
family: Crassulaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Sempervivum
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.3 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Deciduous
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 18ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 21ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / -30ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Low
humidity: Low
light demands:
root type: Shallow
frost tender:
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(1/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 5 years
succession:
growth rate: Medium
max height: 0.1 m
max width: 0.3 m
soil preference:
Light (Sandy)
pH preference:
Saline
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Extremely hardy to -30ยฐC. Thrives in poor, rocky soils with excellent drainage. Prefers full sun. Mulch with gravel to improve drainage and prevent rot. Companion plants include thyme and lavender. Avoid overwatering and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Harvest leaves as needed, preferably in the morning when they are most turgid. Store leaves in a cool, dry place for short-term use.
Potential Disturbances: Generally pest-free, but watch for aphids. Introduce ladybugs or lacewings as natural predators. Avoid overwatering to prevent fungal issues.
Growth Timeline
Recipes Using This Plant
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