Family: Crassulaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 465 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Sempervivum
Vegetable: False
Observations: N. Spain to Alps and Appennini
Description
Cobweb house-leek, scientifically known as Sempervivum arachnoideum, is a fascinating succulent belonging to the Crassulaceae family. Notably, this particular species was first described in the seminal work “Species Plantarum,” published in 1753.
This sturdy plant hails from a broad geographical range extending from Northern Spain through the majestic Alps and into the rugged terrain of the Apennine Mountains. Its adaptability to various high-altitude environments is one of the reasons for its widespread presence across these regions.
Sempervivum arachnoideum is distinguished by its rosettes of fleshy, needle-like leaves that are covered with white, cobweb-like hairs, hence its common name, Cobweb house-leek. These unique hairs help to reduce water loss by trapping a layer of humid air around the plant, an adaptation that is particularly useful in its often arid, mountainous habitats.
The rosettes are compact and generally grow close to the ground, which helps in minimizing exposure to harsh winds and reduces water evaporation in their native rocky environments. Each rosette can potentially produce offsets, or “chicks,” giving rise to a dense mat of interconnected plants, thereby forming a protective cover over the soil.
Flowering typically occurs in the summer months, with each rosette sending up a flower stalk topped with small, star-shaped flowers that can range in color from pink to reddish hues. These blossoms not only add a burst of color but also attract various pollinators, ensuring the plant’s reproduction before the flowering rosette dies off, a characteristic trait of monocarpic plants.
In cultivation, Cobweb house-leek is treasured for its distinctive appearance and resilience. Gardeners often utilize it in rock gardens, alpine houses, or as part of a succulent collection due to its minimal water requirements and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions. It is also well-suited for container gardening, where its low-maintenance nature is a significant advantage.
Overall, the Cobweb house-leek is a remarkable example of botanical adaptation and aesthetic appeal, making it a cherished species among succulent enthusiasts and plant collectors alike.
Common Names
Eng: cobweb house-leek
Dan: spindelvævs-husløg
Deu: spinnweben-hauswurz
Nno: kingelvevtaklauk
Swe: spindeltaklök, spindelvävstaklök
Nob: spindelvevtakløk
Nld: spinnenwebhuislook
Cym: llysiau-pen-tai gwawnaidd
En: Cobweb house-leek, Cob-webbed Houseleek, Cobweb Houseleek
Ca: Matafoc aracnoide, Matafoc teranyinós
Zh: 蛛网长生草
Da: Spindelvævs-husløg
Nl: Spinnenwebhuislook, Spinnenweb Huislook
Fi: Seittimehitähti
Fr: Joubarbe à toile d’araignée, Joubarbe aranéeuse, Joubarbe toile-d’araignée, Joubarbe-araignée, Joubarbe à toiles d’araignée
De: Spinnweben-Hauswurz, Spinnweb-Hauswurz
It: Semprevivo ragnateloso
Nb: Spindelvevtakløk
Nn: Kingelvevtaklauk
Fa: سمپرویووم آراکنویدیوم
Pl: Rojnik pajęczynowaty
Ru: Молодило паутинистое
Sk: Skalnica pavučinatá
Sv: Spindelvävstaklök, Spindeltaklök
Zh-tw: 蛛綱长生草
Cy: Llysiau-pen-tai gwawnaidd
Synonyms
Distribution
- Austria (native)
- Corse (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Italy (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jul 4, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2018 by Gabriele Schmidt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 24, 2008 by Reinhard Bachmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 20, 2017 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 4, 2017 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 5, 2017 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 18, 2020 by David Blondin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 29, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 31, 2021 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2022 by Ya Lama (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Nov 7, 2021 by Georges Kunstler (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 12, 2021 by Sánchez Natalia Andrea (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 1990 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2021 by Neli Vb (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 14, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 25, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 19, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 19, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 14, 2022 by Noel Benson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Pál Kiss (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 25, 2020 by marc COLART (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 5, 2020 by Clément Couloigner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2021 by Katalea K (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 22, 2021 by Guagli Noelia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4201709)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:276315-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sempervivum arachnoideum L.)
Specifications
Growth
Light: 9