Cotyledon Species, Chalk Fingers, Finger Aloe, Grey Sticks, Pig's Ear

this plant is sometimes known as the purple chalk fingers thanks to its striking purplish color in times of drought and stress. Flowers ...Read Moreall year round in California, though primarily in later winter and early spring. But there are few months that one cannot find at least one plant in flower.

Cotyledons in general are toxic plant, and this one is no exception... most animals will not eat it as it tastes terrible, but chronic grazing on it by cattle and sheep happens when it grows among grasses, and severe toxicities can develop. Meat from cattle that eat this is toxic as well.

This plant is a native to Southern Africa, its a small shrubby ground cover that grows rapidly in the presence of water and blooms prolif...Read Moreically each spring. The gray green foliage can become discolored with application of fertilizer or pesticides, the flowers and new growth may be subject to infestation by aphids but otherwise the plant is disease and pest free. Protect from the heaviest of frosts or move indoors as a potted specimen during the cold months of the year.