Hylotelephium telephium (Orpine)

Native to Europe and temperate Asia, this succulent perennial herb has upright or semi-upright, unbranched fleshy stems. Flat, elliptic leaves have coarsely toothed edges and are usually arranged alternately. Dense, rounded clusters carry tiny pink to reddish purple, star-shaped flowers from late summer into autumn. The flowers darken to burgundy brown as they age, while spent flower heads may persist into winter. Its late flowers provide nectar and pollen for insects. Cultivated in borders and rock gardens, it has become naturalized in parts of North America, including New England. Photographed in Florida.