Conicosia pugioniformis
Narrowleaf iceplant, Narrowleaf Iceplant
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Family: Aizoaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Conservation status: Cal-IPC Yes
Conicosia pugioniformis (Narrowleaf iceplant) is a non-native California herb in the Aizoaceae family, recognized by Only Conicosia in California, representing a small South African genus in the ice plant family.
Narrowleaf iceplant is a naturalized perennial found in the central California Coast bioregion in sandy coastal dune habitats at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from May to October, this plant produces large shiny yellow flowers up to 5 to 8 centimeters in diameter that bloom for several days with an unpleasant odor. Growing with a single woody stem to 30 centimeters tall and 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter, it forms dense clusters near the stem tip. Its gray-green leaves are cauline, crowded toward the stem tip, 15 to 20 centimeters long and 10 to 12 millimeters wide, with a distinct groove or flat surface. The small seeds measure 1.5 to 1.8 millimeters in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Only Conicosia in California, representing a small South African genus in the ice plant family
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Sandy places, especially coastal dunes
Elevation: < 100 m
California counties: San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Marin, San Mateo
Outside California: native to southern Africa
Bloom period
Conicosia pugioniformis blooms May-Oct.
Conservation status
Cal-IPC Yes
How to tell it apart
vs Carpobrotus: Conicosia forms upright rosettes with alternate leaves; Carpobrotus trails with opposite paired leaves.; vs Mesembryanthemum: Conicosia is perennial with basal rosette; Mesembryanthemum is annual without rosette.; vs Senecio: Conicosia has succulent pointed leaves and ice-plant flowers; Senecio has thin leaves and daisy flowers.; vs Curio: Conicosia has flat dagger leaves in rosettes; Curio has cylindrical leaves on upright stems.; vs Malephora: Conicosia forms upright leaf rosettes; Malephora forms low spreading mats.
Frequently asked questions
Is Conicosia pugioniformis native to California?
No. Conicosia pugioniformis is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Conicosia pugioniformis bloom?
Conicosia pugioniformis blooms May-Oct.
Where in California does Conicosia pugioniformis grow?
Conicosia pugioniformis occurs in San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Marin, San Mateo, at elevations of < 100 m.
What plant family does Conicosia pugioniformis belong to?
Conicosia pugioniformis is in the Aizoaceae family, genus Conicosia.
Is Conicosia pugioniformis invasive in California?
Conicosia pugioniformis is listed by Cal-IPC with an invasiveness rating of Yes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.