Dudleya abramsii subsp. murina
Mouse-gray dudleya, Mouse-Gray Dudleya
Photo: parent species Dudleya abramsii · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Crassulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Dudleya abramsii subsp. murina (Mouse-gray dudleya) is a native California herb in the Crassulaceae family, recognized by serpentine habitat and purple-flecked flowers diagnostic.
Mouse-gray dudleya is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in southern San Luis Obispo County on serpentine outcrops at elevations of 120 to 300 meters. Flowering from May to June, this succulent produces purple-flecked flowers with distinctive deep purple keels on delicate inflorescences. Growing in small rosettes 3 to 12 centimeters wide, it forms compact clusters with stems 10 to 30 millimeters thick. Its leaves are lance-oblong, 3 to 11 centimeters long, with a subtle blue-gray (glaucous) coloration and a distinctive purple-red base that wounds easily when touched. The rosettes create elegant clusters with leaves that remain mostly intact through the summer, creating a subtle architectural form in its serpentine habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species, serpentine habitat and purple-flecked flowers diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Serpentine outcrops
Elevation: 120-300 m
California counties: San Luis Obispo
Bloom period
Dudleya abramsii subsp. murina blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
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. murina native to California?
Yes. Dudleya abramsii subsp. murina is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Dudleya abramsii subsp. murina bloom?
Dudleya abramsii subsp. murina blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Dudleya abramsii subsp. murina grow?
Dudleya abramsii subsp. murina occurs in San Luis Obispo, at elevations of 120-300 m.
What plant family does Dudleya abramsii subsp. murina belong to?
Dudleya abramsii subsp. murina is in the Crassulaceae family, genus Dudleya.
Is Dudleya abramsii subsp. murina rare or endangered?
Dudleya abramsii subsp. murina carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, 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.