Lewisia brachycalyx
Short-sepaled lewisia
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Family: Montiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Lewisia brachycalyx (Short-sepaled lewisia) is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family, recognized by short stems and included flowers diagnostic.
Short-sepaled lewisia is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in southern Baja California and the Peninsular Ranges in sandy, wet meadows, seeps, and open conifer forests at elevations of 1,370 to 2,450 meters. Flowering from February to June, this plant produces white to pale pink flowers 12 to 26 millimeters long with delicate pink-veined petals that are blunt or slightly notched at the tip. Growing with low stems 1 to 3.5 centimeters tall, it forms a spreading rosette of fleshy, succulent-like leaves. Its basal leaves are oblanceolate, 2 to 8 centimeters long, with blunt tips that taper to a narrow base. The plant produces clusters of 40 to 50 tiny seeds, each measuring 1.5 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; short stems and included flowers diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy, wet meadows, seeps, open conifer forest
Elevation: 1370-2450 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, Plumas
Outside California: to Utah, Arizona, northern Baja California
Bloom period
Lewisia brachycalyx blooms Feb-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Claytonia: Lewisia forms tight rosettes on rocks while Claytonia has thin leaves on upright stems in moist soil.; vs Montia: Lewisia grows from rocky crevices with succulent rosette leaves; Montia has thin stems with multiple leaves.; vs Stephanomeria: Lewisia has 5-petaled pink flowers and succulent leaves; Stephanomeria has dandelion-like ray flowers and milky sap.; vs Draba: Lewisia has pink/white 5-petaled flowers; Draba has yellow/white 4-petaled flowers in tight clusters.; vs Clarkia: Lewisia has succulent basal leaves and grows on rocks; Clarkia has upright stems with papery 4-petaled flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lewisia brachycalyx native to California?
Yes. Lewisia brachycalyx is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lewisia brachycalyx bloom?
Lewisia brachycalyx blooms Feb-Jun.
Where in California does Lewisia brachycalyx grow?
Lewisia brachycalyx occurs in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, Plumas, at elevations of 1370-2450 m.
What plant family does Lewisia brachycalyx belong to?
Lewisia brachycalyx is in the Montiaceae family, genus Lewisia.
Is Lewisia brachycalyx rare or endangered?
Lewisia brachycalyx carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.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.