Heartleaf Iceplant

## Landscape value Heartleaf iceplant (*Mesembryanthemum cordifolium*, formerly *Aptenia cordifolia*) is a low, spreading succulent with glossy green leaves and small pink to red flowers. It can trail over a container edge or form a low groundcover in a warm, well-drained site. ## Growing conditions [University of Florida IFAS](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP047) lists full sun, well-drained soil and a height of up to 4 inches with a 1–2 foot spread. Its profile gives USDA zones 10a–11b; protect plants from unsuitable cold. Water during establishment and let container soil dry between waterings. Avoid persistent wetness, which can cause root rot. Check local environmental guidance before planting: suitability and spread vary by region. ## Maintenance and Bega Valley guidance Keep the planting within its intended space and remove accumulated dry debris. [Bega Valley Shire Council](https://www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au/For-Residents/Our-Environment/Vegetation-Management/Planting-on-Nature-Strips) lists the species as suitable for bushfire-prone nature strips under its specific height and other site requirements. This is a local placement designation, not a measured fire-resistance score. ## Yavapai Firewise guidance The [Yavapai County guide](https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/2025-03/FirewisePlants3-14-2025.pdf) lists ice plant (Mesembryanthemum species) among its fire-resistant plants. This plant is a scoped representative of that group entry; the guide does not separately assess every species or cultivar. Follow the source's placement, irrigation and dead-material removal guidance. ## Yavapai County — 2025 source scope and care The [University of Arizona Yavapai County bulletin](https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/2025-03/FirewisePlants3-14-2025.pdf), page 2, lists Ice plant with the botanical cell Mesembryanthemum sp. and form P. It places this entry in its fire-resistant list. The matched catalog name is Mesembryanthemum cordifolium. This plant or genus is a narrower or broader source-group representative; the bulletin does not name or individually assess every species or cultivar. Source form codes: C=groundcover, G=grass, P=perennial, S=shrub, T=tree and V=vine. Printed names and form codes can include source spelling errors or historical taxonomic treatments; the source wording is retained separately from the catalog name and plant-specific habit. The bulletin states that resistant plants require irrigation and frequent maintenance. It describes low shrubs or clean taller shrubs with little dead material. Maintain suitable moisture and spacing, remove dead growth and avoid continuous fuel; a regional list does not establish every selection's performance or local cold hardiness. No plant is fireproof. Keep this Yavapai classification separate from Arizona UA, Utah, New Mexico, Idaho, Colorado and other source ratings and their placement, moisture and maintenance conditions. ## Bega Valley source scope and conditions [Bega Valley Shire Council](https://www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au/For-Residents/Our-Environment/Vegetation-Management/Planting-on-Nature-Strips) lists “Aptenia cordifolia” (“Heartleaf Iceplant (succulent)”) as **Yes** for bushfire-prone nature strips. Catalog name reconciled to the printed source spelling/synonym; source condition remains at its stated scope. This is local nature-strip suitability, not a measured general flammability rating. The table is limited to plants **less than 0.5 m high generally and less than 0.2 m high in bushfire-prone areas**. A Yes listing does not waive the 0.2 m limit or establish that every form of the species remains that low. Use and maintain a compliant low form; keep plants green and healthy, prune old or dead growth and remove accumulated dead leaves. Avoid tussock grasses in bushfire-prone areas. Keep paths, driveways and infrastructure clear under the council's siting rules. Any plant can burn in the right conditions.