Houseleek, Hen and Chickens
Sempervivum tectorum
Family: Crassulaceae
What it is like
A perennial herb. The leaves form in rosettes. It grows 8-15 cm high and spreads 30-50 cm wide. The leaves are blue-green. There are bristles at the tip. They turn red-purple. The flowers are purplish-pink.
There are about 40 Sempervivum species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It can tolerate temperatures down to -12°C. It can tolerate temperatures to 38°C if shaded. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Austria, Australia, Balkans, Belgium, Bosnia, Britain, Central America, Czech Republic, Europe, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Mexico, Myanmar, North America, San Marino, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Slovenia, Spain, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, USSR, Yugoslavia
How it is used for food
The leaves are eaten raw in salads. They are also used for making juices.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Plants are grown from offsets.
Its other names
Local names
Navadni netresk, St Patrick's cabbage