Houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum)
Flowers: Spring to summer. Height: Up to 15cm (6in).
Its association with lighting is a long one and the plant was also called Jupiter’s Beard and Thor’s Beard (referring to Jupiter, King of the gods and Thor, the Norse god of Thunder). Charlemagne (720-814), first Holy Roman Emperor, actually ordered that all his subjects in his kingdom grow houseleeks on their roofs, presumably as a protection against lightning. The little plants were also very practical at plugging gaps and slowing the passage of water.
Medicinal: The juice and leaves were used for centuries for their coolant, anti inflammatory, astringent and diuretic properties. They took away warts and corns on hands and feet while poultices for burns scalds and ulcers were known to quickly reduce pain.
Magic & Myth: Its name means ‘always alive on the roof’ as they were traditionally grown on house roofs where they were thought to ward against fire and lightning strikes and protect the household against witchcraft and evil spirits.
