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Orpine

Sedum telephium

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Plant Profile
Similar Species
Other Information
- Summary
- Blog
- Facts about Orpine
- Video
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Saxifragales

Family:

Crassulaceae (Stonecrop)

Also in this family:

Biting Stonecrop, Caucasian Stonecrop, Common House-leek, English Stonecrop, Ice Plant, Kamchatka Stonecrop, Lamb's-tail, Large Rock Stonecrop, Mossy Stonecrop, Navelwort, New Zealand Pigmyweed, Pigmyweed, Pink Stonecrop, Rock Stonecrop, Roseroot, Tasteless Stonecrop, Thick-leaved Stonecrop, White Stonecrop

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

60 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Gardens, grassland, hedgerows, meadows, mountains, rocky places, woodland.

Flower:

Pink, 5 petals

Loose clusters of tiny but dense purplish-pink to rose-coloured flowers at the top of the stems. 5 pointed petals and an equal number of leaf-like sepals.

Fruit:

Many seeded dry fruit, splitting open on one side when ripe.

Leaves:

Broad, coarsely toothed, succulent and alternate leaves.

Aroma:

The fragrance of Orpine, known as "live-forever" or "stonecrop" in the UK, exudes a delicate yet robust scent, reminiscent of a fresh, earthy aroma with subtly sweet, herbal undertones. It carries a hint of floral notes mixed with a touch of mossiness, creating an overall pleasant, slightly musky fragrance. The scent of Orpine can be described as mildly sweet and herbal, with earthy and green nuances, offering a refreshing and natural olfactory experience.

Other Names:

Aaron's Rod, Alpine, Alpine Livelong, Evergreen Orpine, Frog Plant, Frog's-stomach, Harping Johnny, Life-everlasting, Live-forever, Livelong, Midsummer-men, Orphan John, Orpin Rouge, Red Orpine, Rosecrown, Rosy-flowered Stonecrop, Stonecrop, Stone-hot, Wild Stonecrop, Witch's Moneybags.

Frequency (UK):

Occasionally seen

Ice Plant

Roseroot

Caucasian Stonecrop

Summary

Sedum telephium, also known as orpin rouge or live-forever, is a species of perennial plant that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a hardy and adaptable plant that typically grows to about 30-60cm tall and has thick, fleshy leaves. The plant produces clusters of small, star-shaped, pink or red flowers in the late summer and autumn. The flowers are often used in dried flower arrangements. Sedum telephium is commonly used as a ground cover or rock garden plant, and it is also used for erosion control on slopes. The plant is tolerant to drought and is able to store water in its leaves, this allows it to survive in dry conditions. It is also easy to grow and propagate, making it a popular choice for gardeners.

Blog

Orpine, also known as Sedum telephium, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia and has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a decorative plant for gardens and landscapes.

The plant can grow up to 60 cm tall and 60 cm wide, with succulent stems and leaves that are oval-shaped and pointed at the ends. The leaves can vary in color from green to blue-green, purple, or even red, depending on the cultivar. The flowers of the plant are small and star-shaped, ranging in color from pink to red.

Orpine is a hardy plant that is easy to care for, making it a popular choice for gardeners. It thrives in well-draining soil and can tolerate drought, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens and dry areas. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can withstand a range of temperatures, from hot summers to cold winters.

One of the benefits of Orpine is its ability to attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This makes it an excellent addition to gardens and landscapes, as it can help support the local ecosystem.

In addition to its decorative and ecological benefits, Orpine has several medicinal uses. The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including digestive issues, skin conditions, and respiratory problems. Some studies have also suggested that Orpine may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, although more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

Orpine, also known as Sedum telephium, has a long history of medicinal use. It was used in ancient Greece and Rome to treat wounds and other health issues, and it has continued to be used in traditional medicine throughout Europe and Asia. In modern times, Orpine has been studied for its potential health benefits and has been found to have several active compounds that may have therapeutic properties.

One of the active compounds in Orpine is kaempferol, a flavonoid that has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Kaempferol has been studied for its potential to protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic health conditions.

Another compound found in Orpine is gallic acid, which has been shown to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Gallic acid has been studied for its potential to support immune function and protect against chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Orpine also contains tannins, which have astringent properties and can help to soothe and protect the skin. Tannins have been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of skin conditions, and Orpine has been found to have potential as a natural remedy for acne and other skin issues.

In addition to its health benefits, Orpine is a popular plant for landscaping and gardening. It is low-maintenance and can be used in a variety of settings, from rock gardens to borders and containers. It is also attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any garden or landscape.

Orpine is a fascinating plant that has a long history of use in different cultures around the world. In ancient times, it was believed to have magical properties and was used in rituals and ceremonies. In Europe, it was also known as "witch's money" and was used as a charm to bring good luck and prosperity.

In addition to its medicinal and decorative uses, Orpine has also been studied for its potential to help mitigate the effects of climate change. As a succulent plant, it is adapted to survive in arid environments and can store water in its leaves and stems. This makes it an excellent candidate for use in green roofs and other green infrastructure projects that can help to reduce urban heat islands and improve the resilience of cities in the face of climate change.

Orpine is also a valuable source of food for wildlife such as birds and insects. Its flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, while its seeds and foliage can provide food for birds and other small animals. By planting Orpine in your garden or landscape, you can help to support local ecosystems and biodiversity.

Orpine is a plant that is easy to propagate and grow, making it a great choice for gardeners of all levels of experience. It can be propagated through stem cuttings or division, and once established, it requires very little maintenance. It is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-risk plant to grow.

One of the interesting things about Orpine is its ability to change color depending on the growing conditions. In bright sunlight, the leaves and stems can turn red or purple, while in more shaded areas they may remain green. This makes it a dynamic and visually appealing plant that can add interest and variety to any garden or landscape.

Orpine is also a plant that has cultural significance in different parts of the world. In China, for example, it is known as "Shijianchuan," and is believed to have properties that can help to regulate blood sugar levels and improve cardiovascular health. In Japan, it is known as "Ogon no Hana," and is considered to be a symbol of longevity and good health.

In summary, Orpine is a fascinating plant with many benefits and uses. Whether you're interested in its medicinal properties, its decorative potential, or its role in supporting local ecosystems, there are many reasons to consider adding Orpine to your garden or landscape. With its low-maintenance requirements and adaptability to different growing conditions, Orpine is a plant that is well worth exploring.

Facts about Orpine

Orpine is a succulent plant also known as Sedum telephium.
It has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Orpine contains several active compounds, including kaempferol, gallic acid, and tannins, which have been studied for their potential to protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic health conditions.
In addition to its medicinal properties, Orpine is also a popular plant for landscaping and gardening, as it is low-maintenance and attractive to pollinators.
Orpine is also a valuable source of food for wildlife, providing nectar for bees and other pollinators, as well as seeds and foliage for birds and other small animals.
Orpine can be propagated through stem cuttings or division and is resistant to pests and diseases.

Orpine, or Sedum telephium, is a succulent plant with many potential health benefits. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and contains several active compounds, including kaempferol, gallic acid, and tannins, that have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In addition to its medicinal properties, Orpine is also a popular plant for landscaping and gardening, as well as a valuable source of food for wildlife. With its low-maintenance requirements and adaptability to different growing conditions, Orpine is a versatile and valuable plant that is definitely worth exploring.