Lewisia glandulosa
Glandular lewisia
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Montiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Lewisia glandulosa (Glandular lewisia) is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family, recognized by glandular teeth on bracts/sepals diagnostic.
Glandular lewisia is a California native perennial found in the central Sierra Nevada and eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains in granite sand, rock cracks, and wet meadows at elevations of 3,000 to 4,000 meters. Flowering from July to September, this plant produces white, pink, or reddish flowers with 6 to 8 petals approximately 8 millimeters long, creating delicate blooms against rocky alpine landscapes. Growing with multiple slender stems 1 to 3.5 centimeters tall, it forms dense rosettes of thread-like leaves that persist even after withering. Its leaves are narrow and thread-like to lance-shaped, generally 2 to 10 centimeters long, with a distinctive fleshy expanded base and obtuse tips. The plant's bracts and sepals feature reddish or dark marginal glands, adding subtle textural complexity to its alpine habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; glandular teeth on bracts/sepals diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Granite sand, rock cracks, wet meadows
Elevation: 3000-4000 m
California counties: Inyo, Mono, Fresno, Tulare, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Madera
Bloom period
Lewisia glandulosa blooms Jul-Sep.
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 glandulosa native to California?
Yes. Lewisia glandulosa is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lewisia glandulosa bloom?
Lewisia glandulosa blooms Jul-Sep.
Where in California does Lewisia glandulosa grow?
Lewisia glandulosa occurs in Inyo, Mono, Fresno, Tulare, Tuolumne, Mariposa, Madera, at elevations of 3000-4000 m.
What plant family does Lewisia glandulosa belong to?
Lewisia glandulosa is in the Montiaceae family, genus Lewisia.
What habitat does Lewisia glandulosa grow in?
Lewisia glandulosa grows in Granite sand, rock cracks, wet meadows.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-08
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.