# Reflexed Stonecrop (*Petrosedum rupestre*)

Reflexed Stonecrop is a small, hardy plant that grows in rocky places. It has thick, fleshy leaves and bright yellow flowers that bloom in summer, making it a cheerful sight in gardens and on cliffs.

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Rocky areas

![Reflexed Stonecrop](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Petrosedum_rupestre_kz03.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Petrosedum_rupestre_kz03.jpg)

## Appearance

The Reflexed Stonecrop has distinctive blue-green, needle-like leaves that curve backward, giving it a unique texture. It produces clusters of small, star-shaped, bright yellow flowers that bloom above the foliage.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Saxifragales
- **Family:** Crassulaceae
- **Genus:** Petrosedum

## Interesting facts

- Each tiny, star-shaped yellow flower has five petals, creating a perfect mini star!
- Gardeners often use this tough plant as living 'green roof' insulation!
- Its scientific name 'rupestre' cleverly means 'rock-loving', perfect for where it grows!
- Some people call it 'Jenny's Stonecrop' because it spreads so easily!

## Special abilities

- **Water Storage Power:** Reflexed Stonecrop has plump, succulent leaves that store water, helping it survive long dry periods without rain.
- **Rock Gripping Roots:** Reflexed Stonecrop can grow in cracks and rocky places because its roots cleverly anchor into tiny crevices for stability.
- **Sun Protection Shield:** Reflexed Stonecrop's leaves often develop a reddish tint in strong sunlight, acting like a natural sunscreen.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 10-20 cm
- **Spread:** 30-60 cm
- **Flower Size:** 1-2 cm
- **Bloom Season:** June to August
- **Edible:** Yes
- **Toxicity:** None
- **Lifecycle:** Perennial
- **Pollination Method:** Insect

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** Honey bee (*Apis mellifera*) — collects nectar and pollen
- **Pollinates:** Buff-tailed bumblebee (*Bombus terrestris*) — gathers nectar and pollen
- **Eaten by:** Grey field slug (*Deroceras reticulatum*) — grazes on succulent leaves

## Traits

- [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
- [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.
- [Evergreen](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/evergreen): Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
- [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.
- [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 without asking an adult first.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Reflexed Stonecrop?

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 Reflexed Stonecrop?

10-20 cm

### How wide does Reflexed Stonecrop spread?

30-60 cm

### How big are the flowers on Reflexed Stonecrop?

1-2 cm

### When does Reflexed Stonecrop bloom?

June to August

### Is Reflexed Stonecrop edible?

Yes

### Is Reflexed Stonecrop toxic?

None

### What is Reflexed Stonecrop's lifecycle?

Perennial

## 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*)

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Source: [Reflexed Stonecrop: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/reflexed-stonecrop)