Umbilicus rupestris (Salisb.) Dandy
Navelwort
Navelwort, or wall pennywort, is an unmistakable native perennial of the stonecrop family, named for its rounded, fleshy leaves, each dimpled at the centre where the stalk joins beneath like a little green navel. The succulent leaves form loose rosettes, and in early summer the plant sends up tall, tapering spikes hung with many small, tubular, greenish-cream flowers.
About
Navelwort, or wall pennywort, is an unmistakable native perennial of the stonecrop family, named for its rounded, fleshy leaves, each dimpled at the centre where the stalk joins beneath like a little green navel. The succulent leaves form loose rosettes, and in early summer the plant sends up tall, tapering spikes hung with many small, tubular, greenish-cream flowers.
It is a western plant in Britain and Ireland, most frequent in Wales, south-west England and parts of Ireland, where damp, mild conditions suit it. A pioneer of vertical and rocky places, it colonises crevices in old walls and dry-stone banks, rock faces, shady hedge banks and even tree trunks, favouring acid to neutral substrates out of full glare. Flowering from around late spring into midsummer, its blooms attract small insects. Its sculptural foliage makes it a charming, self-sowing addition to old walls, shady rockeries and crevice planting.
Also known as
Wall Pennywort · pennypies · pennywort
Synonyms
Cotyledon gredense · Cotyledon neglecta · Cotyledon ombilicus · Cotyledon pendulina · Cotyledon rupestris · Cotyledon tuberosa · Cotyledon umbilicata · Cotyledon umbilicifolia · Cotyledon umbilicus-veneris · Cotyledon umbilicus-veneris deflexa · Cotyledon umbilicus-veneris pendulina
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.