Hen-and-Chickens
Sempervivum tectorum
Family: Crassulaceae
Native to Europe, and traditionally planted on sod roofs, with a belief
that it protected same from lightning strikes. Sempervivums make a central,
rose-hued rosette which produces numerous offshoots. The flowers
are pink and shaped like stars, clustered on a trunk rising 1 to 2 feet.
The turgid, tart leaves are chewed fresh as a folk remedy for toothache
and masticated to produce a poultice to alleviate bee sting.
General cultivation: Easy. Sow very tiny seed on surface of
soil in spring and keep moist until germination. Grow out in pots
or in flats and transplant, or direct seed with care. These prefer
full sun, moderate water and limey soil or rock garden.
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