Burro’s Tail

Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)

Aesthetic Description

Burro’s Tail has thick, braided-looking stems that spill over pots like a succulent waterfall. Its chubby, overlapping leaves shimmer with a pale, powdery finish and create lush, trailing textures.

Scientific Description

Scientific Name: Sedum morganianum
Common Name: Burro’s Tail
Plant Type: Species
Family: Crassulaceae
This trailing succulent forms long stems densely packed with fleshy, teardrop-shaped leaves. It’s commonly grown in hanging baskets and occasionally produces small, star-shaped pink to red flowers.

General Botanical Information

Native to southern Mexico and Honduras, Sedum morganianum grows as a trailing epiphyte on cliffs and trees. Its leaves are adapted to store water and are covered in a powdery coating called farina, which protects them from sunlight and moisture loss. Fragile to the touch, leaves may fall off easily — but don’t worry, they root well for propagation. It’s a slow grower but well worth the wait for those cascading vines.

Care Description

Loves a bright spot and prefers to be left alone. Water sparingly — let the soil dry out completely — and avoid handling too much, as its leaves detach easily. It thrives in hanging baskets where it can show off its trailing habit. Keep it away from frost and protect that powdery coating for best looks.