Crassula colligata subsp. lamprosperma

Crassula colligata subsp. lamprosperma, non-native California annual

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Family: Crassulaceae · Type: Annual · Not Native

Crassula colligata subsp. lamprosperma is a non-native California annual in the Crassulaceae family, recognized by limited to one location, 2 flowers per node diagnostic.

Crassula colligata subsp. lamprosperma is a naturalized annual found in the San Gabriel River near Irwindale at elevations of 150 to 200 meters in open, gravelly alluvial bench habitat. Flowering from January to May, this plant produces small white to pale green flowers in compact clusters with lanceolate petals. Growing with erect stems 10 to 16 centimeters tall, it develops red-brown coloration with age and branches sparingly. Its small leaves are ovate to oblong, 4 to 5 millimeters long with acute tips ending in a short point. The fruit contains one to two shiny, smooth elliptic seeds that are distinctively lance-oblong in shape.

Identification and appearance

Key characters: 6 sympatric species; limited to one location, 2 flowers per node diagnostic

Habitat and range

Habitat: Open, gravelly alluvial bench

Elevation: 150-200 m

California counties: Los Angeles

Outside California: native to southern Australia

Bloom period

Crassula colligata subsp. lamprosperma blooms Jan-May.

How to tell it apart

vs Sedum: Sedum leaves are alternate or scattered; Crassula leaves are strictly opposite with fused bases.; vs Cotyledon: Cotyledon has large, fleshy leaves without fused bases; Crassula leaves clasp stem with fused bases.; vs Aeonium: Aeonium forms rosettes with many leaves per node; Crassula has two opposite leaves per node.; vs Kalanchoe: Kalanchoe has clusters of showy flowers; Crassula has tiny single flowers in leaf joints.; vs Portulacaria: Portulacaria has round, flat leaves on woody stems; Crassula has succulent opposite clasping leaves.

Frequently asked questions

Is Crassula colligata subsp. lamprosperma native to California?

No. Crassula colligata subsp. lamprosperma is not native to California (recorded as not native).

When does Crassula colligata subsp. lamprosperma bloom?

Crassula colligata subsp. lamprosperma blooms Jan-May.

Where in California does Crassula colligata subsp. lamprosperma grow?

Crassula colligata subsp. lamprosperma occurs in Los Angeles, at elevations of 150-200 m.

What plant family does Crassula colligata subsp. lamprosperma belong to?

Crassula colligata subsp. lamprosperma is in the Crassulaceae family, genus Crassula.

What habitat does Crassula colligata subsp. lamprosperma grow in?

Crassula colligata subsp. lamprosperma grows in Open, gravelly alluvial bench.

Related species

Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.

All Crassula species · All Crassulaceae

Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos

Last updated 2026-09-30

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.