Wildflowers of the Stuttgart Area
Sempervivum tectorum
| Family : | CRASSULACEAE (Stonecrop Family) |
| Common Name (UK) : | Common Houseleek |
| Common Name (DE) : | Dach-Hauswurz |
| Common Name (FR) : | Joubarbe des toits, Artichaut des murailles |
| Habitat : | Rocks, walls, roofs, rocky grassy places. |
| Remarks : | "It was supposed to guard what it grows upon against fire and lightning, and we read that Charlemagne ordered it to be planted upon the roof of every house, probably with this view. Whatever the origin of the custom, it prevails in many other parts of Europe, as well as in England and France. Welsh peasants believe it protects their houses from storms, and ensures the prosperity of their inmates. Superstitious country-folk in Wiltshire are often found to have a strong objection to the removal of a plant of Houseleek from their roof, or even to the plucking of the flowers by a stranger, believing it will bring death to the dwellers; it was formerly believed to be an efficient guard against sorcery as well as against lightning." from Botanical.com Introduced to the U.S. |
| First appearing : | July |
| Abundance : |
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