Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
Ice Plant
Aizoaceae
Annuals, Cacti and succulents, Ground covers
Of the many plants commonly called Mesembryanthemum or ice plant, this native of South Africa is now considered the only true Mesembryanthemum. A sprawling plant, it grows a few inches tall and several feet wide. Its oval, flat, stalked, fleshy leaves grow to 4 in. long, and turn red at dry times of year. Leaves are covered with tiny, transparent blisters that glisten like flecks of ice. Foliage is edible and resembles New Zealand spinach in flavor.
White to pinkish, 1-in. flowers bloom in summer. Easy to grow from seed. Has naturalized in parts of California. This is a very drought tolerant plant when grown in the ground, but its best use in gardens is in hanging baskets and window boxes—in which locations this plant will need at least moderate watering.
Calandrinia ciliata
This commonWestern wildflower populatessunny meadows, growing 8–16in. high and wide, with narrow,flesh...
Ipomoea quamoclit
This annual grows 20 ft., with 2 1/2- to 4-in.-long leaves finely divided into slender threads. Summer...
Spinach
Native to Southwest Asia. Grown for its edible leaves, spinach matures slowly during fall, winter, and...
Find Your Sunset Climate Zone
Advertisement
