Wall Pennywort
Umbilicus rupestris
Also listed as Cotyledon umbilicata, Cotyledon umbilicus-veneris
Also known as Navelwort, Pennypies, Pennywort
Climate Match for your location
See how well Wall Pennywort grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A low-growing succulent with distinctive rounded, coin-like leaves that form dense mounds. It produces delicate star-shaped flowers in spring and tolerates rocky, poor soils with minimal water.
Why grow it
Wall Pennywort establishes readily on rocky slopes and poor soils where many ornamental groundcovers struggle, making it useful for erosion control and habitat restoration in Mediterranean or semi-arid climates. Unlike some creeping sedums, it tolerates partial shade and moderate moisture, offering broader site flexibility. Its low profile and dense growth habit provide ground coverage with minimal maintenance once established.
Watch out for
In regions with consistent summer moisture, this species may experience root rot or fungal issues; ensure sharp drainage even on poor soils. While cold hardy in many temperate zones, winter survival depends on adequate drainage rather than temperature alone, so amend heavy clay before planting. It prefers minimal fertilization, and excess nitrogen can promote soft growth prone to disease.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Crassulaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and Western Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing succulent with distinctive rounded, coin-like leaves that form dense mounds. It produces delicate star-shaped flowers in spring and tolerates rocky, poor soils with minimal water.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Wall Pennywort grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Wall Pennywort establishes readily on rocky slopes and poor soils where many ornamental groundcovers struggle, making it useful for erosion control and habitat restoration in Mediterranean or semi-arid climates. Unlike some creeping sedums, it tolerates partial shade and moderate moisture, offering broader site flexibility. Its low profile and dense growth habit provide ground coverage with minimal maintenance once established.
Watch out for
In regions with consistent summer moisture, this species may experience root rot or fungal issues; ensure sharp drainage even on poor soils. While cold hardy in many temperate zones, winter survival depends on adequate drainage rather than temperature alone, so amend heavy clay before planting. It prefers minimal fertilization, and excess nitrogen can promote soft growth prone to disease.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Crassulaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and Western Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.