Elf Orpine
ExplorePlants
Elf Orpine
Sedum smallii
Elf Orpine is a special little plant that loves to grow in rocky places. It has pretty, fleshy leaves and tiny pink flowers that bloom in the summer, making it a delightful sight in nature.
Habitat: Rocky areas
Appearance
The Elf Orpine is a tiny, ground-hugging succulent with plump, green, cylindrical leaves often tinged reddish in sunlight. It produces delicate clusters of star-shaped flowers, usually white or pale pink, that stand above its foliage, making it visually distinct from many larger, leafy plants.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSaxifragalesFamilyCrassulaceaeGenusSedum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Elf Orpine helps rocky ground hold together, preventing important soil from washing away!
Its scientific name, 'smallii', honors an amazing botanist who discovered many plants!
Its tiny seeds can catch the wind, spreading far and wide to new rocky homes!
This plant can actually 'play dead' by shriveling in drought, then spring back to life!
Special abilities
Ability
Water Tank Leaves
Elf Orpine has thick, fleshy leaves that store precious water, helping it survive long dry spells on exposed rocks.
Ability
Rock Hugger
Elf Orpine can grow directly on bare rocks or in shallow soil, using its roots to grip tight and thrive where other plants can't.
Ability
Self-Cloner
Elf Orpine can sprout new plants from tiny leaf fragments, helping it quickly spread and colonize new spots.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 2-10 cm
- Spread
- 5-15 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to early summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Visits its small flowers for nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Common Eastern Bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
A generalist pollinator active in its habitat.
pollinates
Viereck's Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum vierecki
Small native bee attracted to its tiny blossoms.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Succulent
Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Elf Orpine?
2-10 cm
How wide does Elf Orpine spread?
5-15 cm
How big are the flowers on Elf Orpine?
0.5-1 cm
When does Elf Orpine bloom?
Late spring to early summer
Is Elf Orpine edible?
Yes
Is Elf Orpine toxic?
None
What is Elf Orpine's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Elf Orpine pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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