Lewisia disepala
Yosemite lewisia
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Family: Montiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Lewisia disepala (Yosemite lewisia) is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family, recognized by alpine granite habitat distinctive.
Yosemite lewisia is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in central Sierra Nevada Mountains on exposed mountain summits, granite areas, and subalpine conifer forests at elevations of 1,340 to 3,500 meters. Flowering from February to June, this plant produces pale rose-pink flowers with 5 to 9 delicate petals 10 to 18 millimeters long. Growing in dense rosettes with stems less than 1 centimeter tall, it forms compact clusters close to the ground. Its succulent leaves are clustered in tight rosettes, 0.5 to 2 centimeters long, linear or club-shaped with blunt tips and a fleshy texture. The plant's unique flower structure features two petal-like sepals and emerges directly from a compact leaf rosette.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; alpine granite habitat distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sand, granite of exposed mountain summits, knobs, subalpine conifer forest, alpine fell-fields
Elevation: 1340-3500 m
California counties: Kern, Tulare, Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, Tuolumne
Bloom period
Lewisia disepala blooms Feb-Jun.
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 disepala native to California?
Yes. Lewisia disepala is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lewisia disepala bloom?
Lewisia disepala blooms Feb-Jun.
Where in California does Lewisia disepala grow?
Lewisia disepala occurs in Kern, Tulare, Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, Tuolumne, at elevations of 1340-3500 m.
What plant family does Lewisia disepala belong to?
Lewisia disepala is in the Montiaceae family, genus Lewisia.
Is Lewisia disepala rare or endangered?
Lewisia disepala carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.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.