Rufous Stonecrop
(Crassula decumbens)
Rufous Stonecrop (Crassula decumbens)
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© Elspeth Swan
CC BY 4.0
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© Elspeth Swan
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CC BY 4.0
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Photo by: © Elspeth Swan | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: cygnet | Publisher: iNaturalist |

























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Crassula decumbens, commonly known as rufous stonecrop or cape crassula, is a succulent perennial herb native to South Africa, particularly the Western Cape, where it thrives in rocky outcrops and slopes in fynbos vegetation, a shrubland or heathland ecosystem. This plant typically forms mats with decumbent stems that can reach up to 6 inches in length, and it has fleshy, linear-lanceolate leaves that are adapted to store water. The rufous stonecrop blooms from July to October, producing small, star-shaped cream-white to pink flowers that are moderately showy.
In cultivation, Crassula decumbens is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, succulent collections, and as ground cover in xeriscaped areas. It requires minimal maintenance, needing only occasional watering once established. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to mealybugs and fungal diseases if overwatered or in poorly drained soils. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems.CC BY-SA 4.0
In cultivation, Crassula decumbens is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, succulent collections, and as ground cover in xeriscaped areas. It requires minimal maintenance, needing only occasional watering once established. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. While generally pest-free, it can be susceptible to mealybugs and fungal diseases if overwatered or in poorly drained soils. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.1-0.3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to rocky outcrops and slopes in fynbos vegetation of the Western Cape, South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Spreading Crassula, Pink Carpet Crassula
Scientific Names: , Crassula decumbens, Bulliarda trichotoma, Crassula langebaanensis, Crassula langebergensis, Crassula leipoldtii, Crassula macrantha, Crassula macrantha var. nuda, Crassula mongolica, Crassula ovallei
GBIF Accepted Name: