Houseleek

Houseleek, or common houseleek, is a succulent of the stonecrop family, native to the mountains of southern Europe and grown across Europe for its looks. Wikipedia describes rosettes 4 to 10 cm across on a plant about 15 cm tall and 50 cm broad, with reddish-purple flowers in summer. It has a long tradition, going back to Roman times, of protecting buildings from lightning. Cunningham says it is grown on the roof for good luck and protection from lightning, and worn fresh, renewed every few days, as a love herb. Kynes adds that the Romans called it a gift from Jupiter and the Greeks credited Zeus, that it was said to guard against fire and witches, and that a piece taken from an old roof went with the family to a new house. In Italy it was used on Midsummer's Eve to divine a future husband. She suggests keeping a houseplant by the front door for love, luck and protection.