By Holly VanKeuren
The Latin name for what is commonly referred to as ‘Hens ‘n Chicks’ is Sempervivum, and this name was derived from the custom in Europe of planting these remarkable succulents along the ridges of thatched roofs. This was done to protect the houses from lightning, and the name came from this custom, with Semper standing for ‘always’ or ‘forever’ and with Vivum meaning ‘alive’. They are also known commonly as a Houseleek, yet another named that refers to their use on rooftop plantings. Their third common name, Hens ‘n Chicks is used very widely, and refers to their method of reproducing themselves. The mother hen or more mature plant is surrounded by its miniature offspring, similar to baby chicks around their mother hen. These baby chickens are attached to the mother plant by a thin stem, or umbilical cord, which once severed allows the new plant to grow its own roots and begin its own colony.

Sempervivum arachnoideum or Cobweb Houseleek
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