Dudleya abramsii subsp. bettinae
Betty's dudleya, Betty's Dudleya
Photo: parent species Dudleya abramsii · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Crassulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Dudleya abramsii subsp. bettinae (Betty's dudleya) is a native California herb in the Crassulaceae family, recognized by habitat and leaf shape diagnostic.
Betty's dudleya is a rare California native perennial ranked 1B.2 by CNPS, found in southern Central Coast and southern South Coast Ranges in San Luis Obispo County on rocky serpentine grassland outcrops at elevations of 50 to 180 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces pale flowers often with purple-tinged petals and purple flecks, emerging from rosettes 5 to 40 in number and 0.5 to 8 centimeters wide. Growing with stems 3 to 20 millimeters wide, it forms distinctive rosettes that are somewhat deciduous in summer. Its leaves are 2 to 7 centimeters long, approximately round in cross-section, glaucous in color with a distinctive purple-red base and acute tips. The plant develops multiple rosettes with leaves that become somewhat deciduous during summer months, creating a dynamic and sculptural appearance in its serpentine grassland habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 11 sympatric species, habitat and leaf shape diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky outcrops in serpentine grassland
Elevation: 50-180 m
California counties: San Luis Obispo
Bloom period
Dudleya abramsii subsp. bettinae blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Curio: Dudleya has thick succulent leaves in rosettes; Curio has thin, cylindrical or string-like leaves.; vs Echeveria: Dudleya flower stalks emerge from leaf axils; Echeveria flowers emerge from rosette center.; vs Sedum: Dudleya forms distinct basal rosettes; Sedum grows as spreading mats or upright stems without rosettes.; vs Aeonium: Dudleya has smooth leaf edges; Aeonium has tiny hairs along leaf margins.; vs Carpobrotus: Dudleya has rosettes under 30cm; Carpobrotus has sprawling succulent stems over 1m long.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dudleya abramsii subsp. bettinae native to California?
Yes. Dudleya abramsii subsp. bettinae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Dudleya abramsii subsp. bettinae bloom?
Dudleya abramsii subsp. bettinae blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Dudleya abramsii subsp. bettinae grow?
Dudleya abramsii subsp. bettinae occurs in San Luis Obispo, at elevations of 50-180 m.
What plant family does Dudleya abramsii subsp. bettinae belong to?
Dudleya abramsii subsp. bettinae is in the Crassulaceae family, genus Dudleya.
Is Dudleya abramsii subsp. bettinae rare or endangered?
Dudleya abramsii subsp. bettinae carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.