Lewisia cotyledon var. howellii
Howell's lewisia
(c) Tom Hilton, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tom Hilton · licence
Family: Montiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 3.2
Lewisia cotyledon var. howellii (Howell's lewisia) is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family, recognized by wavy leaf margins distinguish from other cotyledon varieties.
Howell's lewisia is a rare California native perennial ranked 3.2 by CNPS, found in the Klamath Ranges on rock outcrops, canyon wall crevices, and open woodland in chaparral and conifer forest at elevations of 100 to 400 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces white to pink flowers with petals 12 to 20 millimeters long, creating delicate clusters against rocky landscapes. Growing with low-spreading stems, it forms compact clumps close to its rocky habitat. Its leaves have distinctively wavy margins, creating a subtle undulating texture that helps the plant blend into its rocky surroundings. The compact growth and softly ruffled foliage make this lewisia a subtle but striking component of its rugged mountain environment.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 14 sympatric species; wavy leaf margins distinguish from other cotyledon varieties
Habitat and range
Habitat: rock outcrops, crevices on canyon walls, open woodland; chaparral, conifer forest
Elevation: 100-400 m
California counties: Siskiyou, Humboldt, Mendocino, Shasta, Trinity
Outside California: southwestern Oregon
Bloom period
Lewisia cotyledon var. howellii blooms Apr-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 3.2
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. howellii native to California?
Yes. Lewisia cotyledon var. howellii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lewisia cotyledon var. howellii bloom?
Lewisia cotyledon var. howellii blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Lewisia cotyledon var. howellii grow?
Lewisia cotyledon var. howellii occurs in Siskiyou, Humboldt, Mendocino, Shasta, Trinity, at elevations of 100-400 m.
What plant family does Lewisia cotyledon var. howellii belong to?
Lewisia cotyledon var. howellii is in the Montiaceae family, genus Lewisia.
Is Lewisia cotyledon var. howellii rare or endangered?
Lewisia cotyledon var. howellii carries California Rare Plant Rank 3.2, 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.