Chalk Dudleya
Dudleya pulverulenta · Crassulaceae
- Form
- Succulent
- Height
- rosette 6–18 in, flower stalks 2–4 ft
- Sun
- Part Shade
- Water
- Very Low
- Blooms
- May, Jun, Jul
- Habitat
- Chaparral · Coastal Sage Scrub
🌿 California native
Quick facts
- Habitat: Cliffs, rocky slopes, roadcuts, canyon walls
- Form / size: Powdery succulent rosette; tall flower stalks
- Sun: Part shade to sun · Water (established): Very low
- Blooms: Late spring–summer · Pollinator value: High
Description
A dramatic native succulent with broad, powdery white-gray rosettes and tall arching flower stalks bearing red to pinkish flowers. The chalky coating helps protect the leaves and should not be rubbed off.
Wildlife & pollinators
Flower stalks are excellent for hummingbirds and native bees.
Habitat & range
Rock faces, cliffs, canyon walls, and rocky slopes across Southern California and Baja California.
In the garden
Excellent in containers, walls, and rock gardens with superb drainage. Water mostly in the cool season and keep dry in summer.
Propagation
From seed; sometimes offsets. Use nursery-propagated plants only.
Where to see it near you
- iNaturalist — observed in Southern California
- Rocky canyon walls, cliffs, and native succulent gardens.
Problems
Highly vulnerable to poaching. Never collect wild plants or share location details for sensitive populations.
Sources
Commonly confused with
Lanceleaf Liveforever 🌿 Dudleya lanceolata narrower green leaves and smaller rosettes. 🌿 Echeveria often non-native, more symmetrical, and not found on local cliffs.
