Highway Iceplant

Highway iceplant is a South African coastal succulent with fleshy, three-sided leaves and large flowers that can be yellow or pale pink. It forms a low, creeping groundcover and has been used for landscaping and erosion control, but it can spread aggressively beyond plantings in some coastal regions. ## Growth and flowers The [California Department of Fish and Wildlife](https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Plants/Dont-Plant-Me/Iceplant) identifies Carpobrotus edulis as a coastal South African succulent introduced to California for erosion control and still sold as an ornamental. It warns that the plant spreads in coastal California and can form dense mats that displace native plants. The [California Invasive Plant Council report](https://www.cal-ipc.org/resources/library/publications/ipcw/report25/) describes creeping stems that root at nodes, large mats, and yellow or light pink flowers; in California, flowering can occur year-round with a late-spring and early-summer peak. ## Siting Use only where its spread can be contained and local guidance supports planting. In coastal California, avoid planting near natural areas because it readily escapes and alters native habitat. It is a succulent; choose a sunny, freely draining location and avoid excess irrigation. ## Maintenance Check regularly for runners beyond the intended area and remove unwanted growth before fragments can root elsewhere. Dispose of removed material responsibly, and consult local invasive-plant guidance before planting or removal.