Overview
Crassula connata is a minute annual succulent rarely more than 0.4-2 inches (1-5 cm) tall, forming small erect or spreading tufts. The tiny fleshy leaves are paired and fused at the base around the stem, each 0.1-0.2 inch (3-5 mm) long, green turning red in sun and drought. Minute flowers under 0.04 inch (1 mm) wide, with four greenish-white to pinkish parts, sit singly in the leaf axils and are easily overlooked. Plants germinate with winter rains, flower in early spring, and set seed within a few weeks before drying up. The whole plant often takes on a deep red color as it matures and dries. It grows on thin, bare, or rocky soils, in pavement cracks, and on open ground where larger plants are sparse. As a tiny ephemeral annual, it completes its cycle quickly and persists only as seed through the dry season. It has no tolerance for shade or competition from taller vegetation.
Native Range
Native to western North America from British Columbia south through California to Baja California and east to the Great Basin, and also in parts of South America. Grows on thin, gravelly or sandy soils, rock outcrops, vernal flats, and disturbed open ground at low to moderate elevations.Suggested Uses
Grown in rock gardens, gravel areas, and as a curiosity in trough and crevice plantings. Suited to bare, sunny, gritty spots rather than planted borders. Establishes from self-sown seed on open mineral soil.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 2"
Width/Spread1" - 2"
Bloom Information
Minute flowers open in early spring, from February through April, soon after winter rains. The flowering and seeding period is brief, often only a few weeks. Plants dry and turn red as they finish, with timing tied to soil moisture.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Greenish-white to pinkFoliage Description
Green to redGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grown from seed on thin, gritty, well-drained soil in full sun; germination follows cool winter rains. Plants need moisture through their short spring growth and tolerate drying as they set seed. Shade and competition from larger plants quickly crowd them out. No feeding, staking, or division applies to this tiny annual. Seed disperses on its own, and stands reappear on open ground where soil stays bare. Few pests affect a plant of this size.Pruning
No pruning applies. Plants are left to set and drop seed, then dry away on their own. Clearing competing vegetation keeps the open ground it needs.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
UnknownPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Fall