Houseleek, also called live-forever, is the name of about 40 species of plants native to the mountains of central and southern Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. The plants have fleshy leaves and grow in large clusters resembling mats or cushions. The star-shaped flowers grow on stalks that are commonly 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) high. Houseleeks are often seen in rock gardens, on stone walls, and on slate or thatch roofs in Europe. They are perennials, meaning they can live over two years. They often reproduce by means of buds that grow from the roots.
Juice from houseleek leaves has been said to relieve the pain of burns and bee stings. People once thought the plant protected homes against lightning.
