Question

Garden Unidenfied 1   QUESTION: Hello,
Everyone loves the look of this plant but someone has said it's "just a weed."  Could you help me identify?  A picture is attached.  The green "leaf" is like an evergreen but very soft.  The roots are single, not a bulb.  Thank you!

ANSWER: Hi Margaret,

It looks like Sedum Reflexum, a type of Stonecrop.  It is a creeping, sprawling type of succulent often used in rock gardens. Google images has many pictures for you to compare.  Hope this helps.
Thanks,
Susan


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Susan - Thanks SO MUCH for your quick response!  Really appreciated.  I've looked at a lot of pictures of the Sedum Reflexum but they aren't close enough for me to believe that's it.  My picture may not capture the "leaves" well.  They are really like a pine needle but very soft.  Arrghh!  Margaret

Answer
Hi Margaret,

OK, I'm working on it, but photos can be deceiving, especially to scale.  Is this a groundcover - spreading, and less than 8" in height?  Is it in Sun or shade?  In what area do you live?  It appears to me that I am looking at 2 interspersed groundcovers; one with blue-green, succulent, needle like foliage, and the other a creeping vine with fused pink and lime green leaves producing twin, pale flowers (an ornamental Claytonia?).  

Pinch a piece of the plant.  Does it have a slimy sap like Aloe Vera?  Does it have an odor?  Is it growing in a wet place or a dry place?  All these are clues that help me in my role as plant detective.  You can also contact people in your area; nurseries, the local university, Agriculture dept, or co-operative extension agent, or tell me where you live and I will solicit their help for you.
Thanking you,
Susan Tabor