Ice Plant

Delosperma

Ice Plant is a fun plant with bright, colorful flowers that look like little jewels! It loves sunshine and can even survive in sandy soil.

Habitat: Dry, sunny areas

Appearance

The Ice Plant is a low-growing succulent known for its fleshy leaves that often appear covered in tiny, glistening 'ice crystals.' It forms dense mats and produces an abundance of small, daisy-like flowers in vivid shades of pink, purple, yellow, or orange.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyAizoaceaeGenusDelosperma

Ice Plant

Interesting facts

Its leaves look like they're covered in tiny, sparkling ice crystals!

Some ice plants can amazingly change color when the weather gets cold.

They are often planted on hillsides to help stop the soil from washing away.

You can grow a whole new plant from just a tiny piece of its stem!

Special abilities

Ice Plant can store water in its thick, fleshy leaves to survive long periods without rain.

Its bright flowers only open when the sun shines, saving energy at night or on cloudy days.

Ice Plant can grow in salty soils where most other plants struggle, thanks to special glands.

Measurements & details

Height: 5-20 cm
Spread: 30-60 cm
Flower Size: 2-5 cm
Bloom Season: Spring to fall
Is Edible: Yes
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Helps this busy insect gather nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Monarch butterfly

Danaus plexippus

Provides nectar for this famous migrating butterfly.

eaten by

Garden snail

Helix aspersa

Can be a snack for this slow-moving garden creature.

Traits

Shade Tolerant

Discover plants that love to live in the shadows, growing beautifully and happily even in spots where the sun doesn't shine all day long.

Evergreen

These wonderful plants keep their leaves or needles all year round, providing beautiful green scenery even in the chilliest months. They stay green forever!

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!

Drought Tolerant

These clever plants are superstars at saving water, thriving even when it's dry and sunny with very little rain. They're nature's resourceful friends!

Succulent

These cool plants are like nature's sponges, storing water in their thick, fleshy leaves and stems to help them survive in dry places.

Coastal

Discover life found along the edges where land meets the sea! These habitats are always changing with the tides and waves, offering unique environments.