Common Houseleek

Common Houseleek

This genus of about 40 evergreen species of mat-forming, evergreen, succulent perennials occurs in the mountains of Europe, and W Asia. Known as "houseleeks", from the Anglo-Saxon leac, "a plant", they were grown in ornamentall pots in front of houses during Roman times, and remain popular as trouble-free, drought tolerant subjects for containers and walls. The Emperor Charlemagne decreed that his subjects should grow houseleeks on their roofs to ward off lightning; they are still traditionally planted for this purpose. Sempervivum tectorum contains tannins and mucilage, which soothe and heal damaged tissues; the leaves were traditionally halved and applied directly to the effected part. Sempervivum comes from the Latin semper, "always", and vivus, "alive", referring to the resilience of these plants.

Mat-forming succulent with rosettes to 10cm (4in) across and thick, fleshy, obovate, spine-tipped leaves, to 4cm (1½in) long, which are often purple-flushed, especially in hot, dry conditions. Clusters of dull pink, star-shaped flowers are borne on erect, leafy stems in summer.

Common Name:

Common Houseleek

Other Names:

Hens and Chicks.

Botanical Name:

Sempervivum tectorum

Genus:

Sempervivum

Family:

Crassulaceae

Native Location:

S Europe

Cultivation:

Well-drained, gritty or stony soil in sun. May also be planted in crevices of roofing tiles, thatch, walls, and paving. Individual rosettes die after flowering, having produced numerous offsets. Leaves may be damaged by rust (Endophyllum serpervivi). Houseleeks will survive without water for long periods.

Propagation:

By seed sown in spring; by division; by offsets in spring or summer.

Harvest:

Leaves are collected as required and used fresh in infusions, poultices, and tinctures.

Height:

30cm (12in) when flowering

Width:

50cm (20in)

Variations:

Nigrum
Has purple-tipped leaves.

Red Flush
Has red-green leaves.

Sunset
Has orange-red leaves.

Hardiness:

Z5-10

Parts Used:

Leaves

Properties:

An astringent, acidic, saline herb that is diuretic and has cooling, soothing, and healing effects.

Medicinal Uses:

Internally, once used for shingles, skin complaints, and hemorrhoids. Externally for stings, bites, warts, burns, sunburns, inflamed or itching skin conditions, and corns.

Warning:

Excess is emetic and purgative.

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