Hens and Chicks

[ravenfolk]

Are you all familiar with 'hens and chicks', the plant not the poultry ....

ravenfolk

[treegod]

No, at least not that name. Perhaps I know the same species but of a different name, unless it's only found in N. America.

I think there's a plant called fat-hen. Perhaps that's the same.

Got a Latin name?

[ravenfolk]

:-)

No, at least not that name. Perhaps I know the same species but of a different name, unless it's only found in N. America.

I think there's a plant called fat-hen. Perhaps that's the same.

Got a Latin name?

Sure...
Hens and Chicks

Sempervivum

[treegod]

Ah, think it's different. Looked up Fat Hen on Wikipedia. Which includes what i was thinking and what you're thinking too.

It has several species. I think the one I was thinking of was Chenopodium album.

Looking at Hens and Chicks I think I might have them, or something related. But I have them in pots, they're not growing wild here where I live in Spain.

[ravenfolk]

Ah, think it's different. Looked up Fat Hen on Wikipedia. Which includes what i was thinking and what you're thinking too.

It has several species. I think the one I was thinking of was Chenopodium album.

Looking at Hens and Chicks I think I might have them, or something related. But I have them in pots, they're not growing wild here where I live in Spain.

I don't believe they were native to North America(?). I know that my ancestors always had them planted at or near the doors of the home. It is considered a plant of protection. Maybe it came to North America with the immigrants.

http://landscaping.about.com/od/plantsf ... chicks.htm excerpt from .
"Well, it turns out that hens and chicks, which are indigenous to Europe, were traditionally planted in thatched roofs. European folklore held that they were supposed to provide protection against lightning-induced fires, due to the plants' association with two gods of lightning: Thor and Zeus (Jupiter). In this case, folklore is justified, in the sense that succulents such as hens and chicks are fire-resistant and would perhaps slow down the spread of fire through thatch."

It seems the protective properties had been extended through the years to include protection against evil and theft as well as lighting strikes and fire. Interesting litlle plant.

ravenfolk