Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum), also known as Donkey Tail or Lamb's Tail, is a trailing succulent of the family Crassulaceae, prized for its spectacular cascading stems densely packed with plump, powdery blue-green leaves.
The common name derives from its long, tail-like trailing stems that can hang over a meter in length, resembling a donkey's tail. Native to southern Mexico, this species has become one of the most beloved ornamental succulents worldwide.
• First collected in Mexico by the horticulturist Eric Walther in the 1930s and formally described by botanist Reid Venable Moran
• Named 'Burro's Tail' (burro = donkey in Spanish) for its long, rope-like pendulous stems
• Popular as a hanging basket plant due to its dramatic trailing habit
• Widely cultivated as a houseplant in temperate regions and outdoors in frost-free climates
• Native range is restricted to limestone cliffs and rocky outcrops at elevations of approximately 1,200 to 2,300 meters
• Grows as an epiphyte or lithophyte — on tree branches or rock faces — in its natural habitat
• Natural habitat experiences a distinct wet and dry season; the plant enters dormancy during the dry period
• The genus Sedum is one of the largest in the Crassulaceae, with approximately 400–600 species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere and parts of South America and Africa
Stems:
• Long, pendulous, and highly branched; can reach 60 cm to over 1 meter in length under optimal conditions
• Approximately 4–8 mm in diameter; densely covered with overlapping leaves
• Stems are fragile and leaves detach easily when touched or brushed — a defense mechanism and a means of vegetative propagation
Leaves:
• Succulent, spindle-shaped (fusiform) to narrowly ovoid, approximately 15–30 mm long and 5–8 mm wide
• Arranged in tight, overlapping spirals along the stems, creating a braided or chain-like appearance
• Color ranges from pale blue-green to grey-green, covered with a fine, powdery coating of epicuticular wax (farina)
• The waxy coating protects against UV radiation and reduces water transpiration — do not rub or wipe it off
Flowers:
• Small, star-shaped, approximately 10–12 mm in diameter
• Color: pink, rose-red to reddish-purple
• Arranged in terminal cymes or clusters at stem tips
• Blooming season: typically spring to early summer
• Flowers are hermaphroditic (possess both male and female reproductive organs) and attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees
Roots:
• Shallow, fibrous root system adapted for anchoring to rocky or epiphytic substrates
• Does not penetrate deeply into soil
• Grows on limestone cliff faces and as an epiphyte on tree branches, where drainage is rapid and competition from other plants is minimal
• Adapted to seasonal drought; stores water in its thick succulent leaves for survival during dry months
• Epicuticular wax coating on leaves serves as a barrier against excessive transpiration and intense UV radiation at higher elevations
• In cultivation, it thrives in well-drained, mineral-rich substrates that mimic its rocky native environment
Reproduction:
• Sexual reproduction via seeds produced after pollination of flowers
• Vegetative reproduction is highly effective — detached leaves readily form adventitious roots and new plantlets when placed on moist substrate
• This ease of vegetative propagation makes it straightforward to share and propagate among gardeners
• Listed as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
• However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals
• The plant's fragile leaves detach easily, which can be a concern if small children or pets play with hanging specimens
Light:
• Prefers bright indirect light to partial direct sunlight
• Morning sun is ideal; harsh afternoon sun may scorch leaves
• Insufficient light causes etiolation (stretching) and sparse leaf spacing
Soil:
• Requires extremely well-draining soil to prevent root rot
• Recommended mix: cactus/succulent potting mix amended with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand (approximately 50–70% mineral grit)
• Avoid moisture-retentive soils such as pure peat or standard potting mix
Watering:
• Water thoroughly but infrequently — allow soil to dry out completely between waterings
• Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy (approximately once a month)
• Overwatering is the most common cause of failure; symptoms include mushy, translucent leaves and stem rot
• Avoid getting water trapped between leaves, which can promote fungal issues
Temperature:
• Optimal range: 18–26°C during the growing season
• Can tolerate brief periods down to approximately 5°C but is not frost-hardy
• Protect from freezing temperatures; move indoors or to a sheltered location in winter in temperate climates
Humidity:
• Prefers low to moderate humidity; does not require the high humidity that many tropical houseplants need
• Good air circulation helps prevent fungal problems
Propagation:
• Leaf propagation: gently twist healthy leaves from the stem, allow to callous for 1–3 days, then place on dry succulent soil; roots and tiny rosettes will form in 2–4 weeks
• Stem cuttings: cut a healthy stem segment (5–10 cm), allow to callous, then insert into well-draining soil
• Propagation success rate is very high — one of the easiest succulents to propagate
Common Problems:
• Leaf drop from handling — the most common issue; minimize contact and disturbance
• Overwatering leading to root and stem rot
• Mealybugs and occasionally aphids — treat with isopropyl alcohol or neem oil
• Etiolation (stretching) from insufficient light
Dato curioso
Burro's Tail has several fascinating biological and cultural features: • The powdery white wax coating (epicuticular farina) on its leaves is sometimes called 'bloom' and serves as a natural sunscreen — it reflects excess light and reduces water loss. This is why experienced succulent growers advise never touching the leaves more than necessary. • A single detached leaf can give rise to an entirely new plant. In theory, one healthy mother plant could produce hundreds of offspring from its fallen leaves over its lifetime. • In its native Mexican habitat, Burro's Tail grows on sheer cliff faces and tree branches, surviving on minimal soil and seasonal rainfall — a testament to the remarkable water-storage capacity of succulent plants. • The species name 'morganianum' honors the American botanist and horticulturist Reid Venable Moran, who made significant contributions to the study of Crassulaceae and the flora of Baja California. • Despite its delicate appearance, Burro's Tail is remarkably long-lived in cultivation — well-maintained specimens have been known to survive for decades, with trailing stems growing ever longer and more impressive over time.
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