Lewisia cotyledon var. heckneri
Heckner's lewisia
(c) Tom Hilton, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tom Hilton · licence
Family: Montiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Lewisia cotyledon var. heckneri (Heckner's lewisia) is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family, recognized by toothed leaf margins distinguish from other cotyledon varieties.
Heckner's lewisia is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges in rocky crevices and slopes of granite and basalt within conifer forests at elevations of 225 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces white to pink flowers with delicate, toothed petals 12 to 20 millimeters long. Growing with compact rosettes up to 15 centimeters tall, it forms dense clusters of succulent foliage. Its leaves have serrated margins, creating a distinctive textured appearance with fleshy, tightly packed green blades. The plant thrives in challenging rocky habitats, showcasing remarkable adaptation to harsh mountain environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 14 sympatric species; toothed leaf margins distinguish from other cotyledon varieties
Habitat and range
Habitat: Crevices in cliffs, rocky slopes of granite or basalt, conifer forest
Elevation: 225-2200 m
California counties: Trinity, Siskiyou, Humboldt, Shasta, Del Norte
Bloom period
Lewisia cotyledon var. heckneri blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.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 cotyledon var. heckneri native to California?
Yes. Lewisia cotyledon var. heckneri is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lewisia cotyledon var. heckneri bloom?
Lewisia cotyledon var. heckneri blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Lewisia cotyledon var. heckneri grow?
Lewisia cotyledon var. heckneri occurs in Trinity, Siskiyou, Humboldt, Shasta, Del Norte, at elevations of 225-2200 m.
What plant family does Lewisia cotyledon var. heckneri belong to?
Lewisia cotyledon var. heckneri is in the Montiaceae family, genus Lewisia.
Is Lewisia cotyledon var. heckneri rare or endangered?
Lewisia cotyledon var. heckneri 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.