Lewisia cotyledon var. cotyledon
Cliff maids
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Family: Montiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Lewisia cotyledon var. cotyledon (Cliff maids) is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family.
Cliff maids is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges in rocky crevices and alpine slopes of granite and serpentine landscapes at elevations of 300 to 2,300 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces white to pink flowers with petals 12 to 14 millimeters long, creating delicate clusters against rocky backgrounds. Growing with low-spreading stems, it forms compact clusters hugging cliff surfaces. Its leaves are distinctive with nearly entire margins, creating a smooth-edged green rosette that nestles tightly into rocky terrain. The plant's ability to thrive in harsh, rocky environments showcases its remarkable adaptability to challenging alpine conditions.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Crevices in cliffs or pavement of granite, serpentine, metamorphics, alpine slopes, subalpine forest
Elevation: 300-2300 m
California counties: Siskiyou, Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity
Outside California: southwestern Oregon
Bloom period
Lewisia cotyledon var. cotyledon blooms May-Jul.
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 cotyledon var. cotyledon native to California?
Yes. Lewisia cotyledon var. cotyledon is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lewisia cotyledon var. cotyledon bloom?
Lewisia cotyledon var. cotyledon blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Lewisia cotyledon var. cotyledon grow?
Lewisia cotyledon var. cotyledon occurs in Siskiyou, Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity, at elevations of 300-2300 m.
What plant family does Lewisia cotyledon var. cotyledon belong to?
Lewisia cotyledon var. cotyledon is in the Montiaceae family, genus Lewisia.
What habitat does Lewisia cotyledon var. cotyledon grow in?
Lewisia cotyledon var. cotyledon grows in Crevices in cliffs or pavement of granite, serpentine, metamorphics, alpine slopes, subalpine forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.