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 slopeĀ
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.