Ice Plant Safety Procedures

Freeway ice plant forms dense heavy mats over large areas.

Ice plants are low-growing members of a succulent plant family, the Aizoaceae, which is native to South Africa. They were introduced into warm-winter climates of America to use as ground covers in the early 1900s. They have been extensively used for erosion control in Southern California, where hillsides and slopes blaze with dramatic red, orange, yellow, pink, lavender or purple flowers in the spring. Many kinds are available, including the genera Lampranthus, Drosanthemum, Malephora and Delosperma.

Safety in Planting

Safety measures are needed to plant cuttings on slopes. Assess the slope for safety hazards such as crumbling rock, shallow soil over rock faces or slippery clay interfaces. Some areas may not be suitable for ice plant establishment. Scaffolding or ladders can be used on shorter hillsides. On taller hillsides, dig temporary steps, paths or footholds into the slope. Wear supportive shoes or boots. Long shirts and pants help prevent skin abrasions. Use a pouch or tool apron to carry plants and tools so both hands are free for balance and placing cuttings.

Safely Maintaining Plantings

While cuttings are growing to fill in the space, plantings may need occasional weeding. Ice plants store water in their fleshy leaves and/or stems. Crushed leaves ooze slippery pulp that can make footing unsure. Plan where to place feet for minimal crushing and be prepared to move stems aside temporarily if necessary. Place cuttings closer together to get solid ground cover more quickly and lessen maintenance needed.

Safety for Underlying Soil

Soil erosion may not be prevented by some ice plants. Choose appropriate species. Two of the most common ice plants, freeway ice plant (Carpobrotus edulis) and sea fig (Carpobrotus chilensis), are not good choices. They have shallow roots and heavy mats of fleshy leaves that can mask erosion occurring beneath the foliage. Weight of foliage can pull layers of soil downhill, causing erosion rather than preventing it. Other kinds of bush, clumping and trailing ice plants are available, with smaller stems and leaves and more deeply penetrating roots. These prevent erosion more effectively. Consider planting a variety of types rather than just one species.

Safety for Native Plants

Carpobrotus spreads invasively outside of landscaped areas to wildlands, outcompeting native plants that are more desirable in maintaining diversity, providing wildlife habitat and holding soil in place. It is regarded as an invasive weed in Southern California, the Mediterranean countries and New Zealand. Remove plants by hand, use mechanical removal or apply glyphosate to restore habitat.

References

• California Invasive Plant Council: Invasive Plants of California's Wildland: Carpobrotus
• Cactus and Succulent Society of America: Ice Plants
• Las Pilitas Nursery: Simple Erosion Control for a Hillside or Garden Slope
• El Nativo Growers: Plants for Erosion Control/Slope Stabilization
• Weedwatch: Carpobrotus