Syn.: Jovibarba sobolifera (Sims) Opiz, Sempervivum soboliferum Sims, Diopogon hirtus (L.) H. P. Fuchs ex H. Huber subsp. borealis H. Huber in Hegi
Family: Crassulaceae J. St.-Hil.
Distribution: Central and Eastern Europe.
Ecology: It grows on rocks, stony slopes and walls, from lowlands to foothills.
Description: A monocarpic herb, the ovate to obovate leaves are arranged in a dense basal rosette up to 3,5 cm in diameter. Flowering stems 15–30 cm high, petals 6, greenish yellow. The rosette dies after flowering but the plant spreads by means of stolons. It is a very variable species with a number of distinct varieties.
Threat and Protection: The Hen and Chickens Houseleek is an endangered species in some countries (CZ).
Note: The Houseleek is often planted in rock gardens and on old walls, formerly also on roofs because it was believed to ward off lightning.
These images were taken in Czechia, Southern Moravia, Mikulov (July 11, 2004).
