Dudleya candelabrum
Candleholder dudleya
(c) Stan Shebs, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Crassulaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Dudleya candelabrum (Candleholder dudleya) is a native California herb in the Crassulaceae family, recognized by massive size and broad leaves diagnostic.
Candleholder dudleya is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the northern Channel Islands on open rocky places and north-facing slopes at elevations below 380 meters. Flowering from April to July, this succulent produces pale yellow flowers in clusters with terminal branches 2.5 to 13 centimeters long, bearing 5 to 25 delicate blooms. Growing with a single rosette 15 to 50 centimeters wide and stems swollen at the base, it develops an impressive architectural form. Its evergreen leaves range from 20 to 45 in number, measuring 6 to 22 centimeters long and 3 to 7 centimeters wide, with obovate to oblong-oblanceolate shapes and a distinctive purple-red base. The leaf tips are acuminate, and the plant has a subtle glaucous appearance, creating an elegant and sculptural presence in its rocky habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species, massive size and broad leaves diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open rocky places and n-facing slopes
Elevation: < 380 m
California counties: Santa Barbara
Bloom period
Dudleya candelabrum blooms Apr-Jul.
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 candelabrum native to California?
Yes. Dudleya candelabrum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Dudleya candelabrum bloom?
Dudleya candelabrum blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Dudleya candelabrum grow?
Dudleya candelabrum occurs in Santa Barbara, at elevations of < 380 m.
What plant family does Dudleya candelabrum belong to?
Dudleya candelabrum is in the Crassulaceae family, genus Dudleya.
Is Dudleya candelabrum rare or endangered?
Dudleya candelabrum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S3.
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.