How to identify Silver dollar plant (Crassula arborescens)

How to identify Silver dollar plant (Crassula arborescens)

Silver dollar plant, also known as Silver jade plant, Silver dollar jade

Silver dollar plant is characterized by its stout, branching habit, reaching heights typically around 3 feet (90 cm), although it can grow taller. The plant displays substantial, rounded leaves measuring 1.5 to 3 inches (3.8 to 7.6 cm) in length that boast a distinct silver-gray coloration. Edges of the leaves are often tinged with maroon, complemented by reddish spots on the upper surface. Blooms are infrequent in cultivation, yet when they do occur, they present as white, star-shaped flowers that transition to pink, clustered in open corymbs during the summer season. This succulent's robust stems and fleshy leaves are indicative of its water-retention capacity, and it should be watered sparingly.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Succulent, Herb

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Silver dollar plant

Stout, branching habit reaching up to 3 feet (90 cm) tall.

Distinct silver-gray leaves with maroon edges and spots.

Star-shaped white or pink flowers in clustered corymbs.

Smooth, succulent-like stems with thick, woody nature.

Elliptical, fleshy leaves up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) long.

Detailed Traits of Silver dollar plant

Leaf Features

The leaves of silver dollar plant are opposite, elliptical, and fleshy, measuring up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) long. They are characterized by a blue-grey color with distinct maroon piping around the edges and maroon speckles on the upper surface. The texture is smooth and succulent-like, providing a striking visual contrast. These features make the leaves noteworthy for their unique color patterns and fleshy texture crucial for identification.

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Flower Features

The flowers of silver dollar plant are star-shaped, measuring approximately 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter. They are typically white or pink and appear in tight, cluster arrangements known as inflorescences. Each petal is distinct and symmetrically arranged, creating a striking display. Blooming usually occurs in late winter to early spring. These flowers emit a mild, pleasant fragrance, adding to their appeal for plant enthusiasts.

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Stem Features

The stem of silver dollar plant is characterized by its thick, succulent nature, essential for storing water. Over time, the stem can become woody, adding to its robustness. Typically, it exhibits a smooth texture with a grey-green hue. The mature stems can reach diameters up to 1.5 inches (4 cm). Branching occurs irregularly, often forming a rounded, shrub-like appearance. These features make the stem a notable identifying characteristic of silver dollar plant.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

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Silver dollar plant and Their Similar Plants

Jade plant vs. Silver dollar plant: What's The Difference?

Looking like a miniature fairy tale tree, jade plant is one of the world's most popular succulents. Native to southern regions of Africa, Crassula ovata is well adapted to the dry warm air of modern homes. It grows slowly but lives for so long that plants get passed from generation to generation. It is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, and even mildly toxic to humans.

Gollum jade vs. Silver dollar plant: What's The Difference?

Gollum jade has oddly-shaped leaves, the tops of which recess downward and resemble the ears of DreamWorks' Shrek. As a result, many florists refer to the plant as Shrek's Ears. Its stems are branched and easily lignified, and interestingly, the edges of the "ears" turn red with abundant light and large temperature differences between day and night.

String of buttons vs. Silver dollar plant: What's The Difference?

String of buttons (Crassula perforata) is a shrub-like sprawling succulent native to South Africa. It is also called Baby's Necklace, Necklace Vine, Stacked Crassula, and the Pagoda Plant.

Watch chain vs. Silver dollar plant: What's The Difference?

COMMONNAME_ (LATINNAME_) is a succulent houseplant species native to South Africa and the country of Namibia in Africa. _COMMONNAME is also called the zipper plant and the lizard's tail. This species is popular as a houseplant because it can withstand low temperatures and long periods of time without watering.

Miniature pine tree vs. Silver dollar plant: What's The Difference?

Miniature pine tree is a succulent that is attractive for having dense-growing leaves that look similar to a needle or sword which resembles the appearance of a small pine tree. It grows clusters of tiny white flowers at the tips of its branches. It can be grown as a container plant or in a rock garden.

Variegated jade plant vs. Silver dollar plant: What's The Difference?

Variegated jade plant is an outstanding container plant. This popular succulent makes a great choice for rock gardens, but it makes for a wonderful houseplant as well. It is mildly poisonous to cats and dogs, so make sure it's in a place where they won't get nibbled on.

Variegated String of Buttons vs. Silver dollar plant: What's The Difference?

The variegated String of Buttons is a variegated succulent, with its white variegations on the two flanks of its leaves. The leaves are deltoid, growing opposite each other and sparsely arranged. When the plant fully displays its vibrant colors, its leaf margins and front tips turn pink, the variegations turns yellow, and the middle of the leaf remains green.

Fairy crassula vs. Silver dollar plant: What's The Difference?

Fairy crassula (Crassula multicava) is a plant species native to the mountainous region of Natal, South Africa. Fairy crassula blooms in spring. This species is often cultivated for ornamental purposes in pots and planters.

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Key Facts About Silver dollar plant

Attributes of Silver dollar plant

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Succulent, Herb

Plant Height

1 m to 3 m

Spread

30 cm to 1.2 m

Leaf Color

Green

Silver

Blue

Gray

Red

Flower Color

Pink

White

Stem Color

Green

Brown

Leaf type

Evergreen

The Toxicity of Silver dollar plant

Toxic to Dogs

Toxic to Cats

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Scientific Classification of Silver dollar plant

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

Family

Stonecrop

Genus

Crassula

Species

Silver dollar plant (Crassula arborescens)

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Distribution Map of Silver dollar plant

Silver dollar plant, naturally endemic to the dry regions of the African continent, has been introduced and adapted to areas across southern Europe and Australasia. Enthusiasts widely cultivate silver dollar plant outside its native range, signifying its successful establishment and adaptability in varied climates.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Silver dollar plant

A Comprehensive Guide to Silver dollar plant How to Grow and Care for Silver dollar plant