# 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. - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Rocky areas ![Elf Orpine](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Diamorpha_smallii.jpg&width=800) Photo: Terrible Tim, CC0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diamorpha_smallii.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Saxifragales - **Family:** Crassulaceae - **Genus:** Sedum ## 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 - **Water Tank Leaves:** Elf Orpine has thick, fleshy leaves that store precious water, helping it survive long dry spells on exposed rocks. - **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. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle. - [Ornamental](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ornamental): Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form. - [Summer Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/summer-blooming): Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished. - [Drought Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/drought-tolerant): Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability. - [Succulent](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/succulent): Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates. - [Edible](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/edible): Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Elf Orpine? Compare leaf arrangement, rosette shape, ribs, spines and flowers. Keep in mind that drought and strong sun can shift a plant's color and shape. Succulent Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Fort Payne Main Street Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-payne-main-street-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District - [Fort Payne Residential Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-payne-residential-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District - [Noccalula Falls Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/noccalula-falls-park) — Alabama, US · Botanical Garden - [Stone Mountain Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/stone-mountain-park) — Georgia, US · Natural Landmark [View all places to see Elf Orpine](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/elf-orpine) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Elf Orpine: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/elf-orpine)