Chalk Dudleya
Dudleya pulverulenta

Physical Description

  • A round succulent plant covered in chalky, powdery wax
  • Rosette of flat, wide, fleshy leaves
  • Leaves are pale green when new and age to a pinkish, papery texture
  • Flowers are on tall stems and are tubular orange, pink, and red blooms
  • Can grow to one foot wide and up to one foot tall

Range

  • San Luis Obispo to northern Baja California, Mexico

Habitat

  • Found in rocky areas in coastal and inland mountains
  • Found in desert foothills
  • Prefer to grow on a slope 

Reproduction

  • Flowers in the spring and summer
  • Pollination primarily by hummingbirds and bumblebees

Diet

  • Like all plants, it gets its energy from the sun through photosynthesis

Predators

  • Moths, butterflies, bumblebees, and hummingbirds eat its pollen
  • Rabbits and deer will eat the leaves
  • Kumeyaay Native Americans used it as both food and medicine

Interesting Facts

  • It is also called chalk lettuce and chalk liveforever.

Sources: California Native Plant Society; University of San Diego; San Marcos Growers; Clearwater Color Nursery

Photo: Beth Besom

See the Chalk Dudleya and other native plants in the Native Plant Garden at Living Coast Discovery Center.

Back To Map