orpine

plant

Also known as: European ice plant, Sedum telephium

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

Orpine, also known as Hylotelephium telephium or Sedum telephium, is an herb belonging to the orpine family (Crassulaceae). This plant is characterized by its fleshy leaves and pink or purple flowers. Historically, orpine was used in folk medicine. The term "garden orpine" refers to this plant when cultivated or commonly found in gardens. Broadly, "orpine" can also be used as a synonym for sedum.12

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stonecrop
Major species
Useful garden ornamentals include the orpine, or livelong (S. telephium), with red-purple flowers; and October plant (S. sieboldii), with pink flowers and blue-green leaves. Mexican stonecrop (S. mexicanum), with yellow flowers, makes a handsome hanging basket, as do several related stonecrops, such as burro’s tail, also called donkey’s tail (S.…
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Useful garden ornamentals include the orpine, or livelong (S. telephium), with red-purple flowers; and October plant (S. sieboldii), with pink flowers and blue-green leaves. Mexican stonecrop (S. mexicanum), with yellow flowers, makes a handsome hanging basket, as do several related stonecrops, such as burro’s tail, also called donkey’s tail (S.…
Read More