Lewisia kelloggii subsp. hutchisonii
Hutchison's lewisia, Hutchison's Lewisia
Photo: parent species Lewisia kelloggii · (c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Montiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 3.2
Lewisia kelloggii subsp. hutchisonii (Hutchison's lewisia) is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family, recognized by large leaves and petals ≥20mm diagnostic.
Hutchison's lewisia is a California native perennial ranked 3.2 by CNPS, found in the Klamath Ranges and northern Sierra Nevada in conifer forests on decomposed granite, slate, and volcanic rubble at elevations of 1,800 to 2,135 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces flowers with multiple pale pink to white petals over 20 millimeters long. Growing with robust rosettes up to 15 centimeters tall, it forms dense clusters of fleshy succulent-like foliage. Its leaves are notably broad, with blades exceeding 4.5 centimeters long and more than 1 centimeter wide, creating a distinctive basal arrangement. The plant thrives in rocky, well-drained mountain habitats, showcasing remarkable adaptation to harsh alpine environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 16 sympatric species; large leaves and petals ≥20mm diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Decomposed granite, slate, volcanic rubble, conifer forest
Elevation: 1800-2135 m
California counties: Sierra, Butte, Plumas, Shasta, Tuolumne, Siskiyou
Bloom period
Lewisia kelloggii subsp. hutchisonii blooms Jul-Aug.
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 kelloggii subsp. hutchisonii native to California?
Yes. Lewisia kelloggii subsp. hutchisonii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lewisia kelloggii subsp. hutchisonii bloom?
Lewisia kelloggii subsp. hutchisonii blooms Jul-Aug.
Where in California does Lewisia kelloggii subsp. hutchisonii grow?
Lewisia kelloggii subsp. hutchisonii occurs in Sierra, Butte, Plumas, Shasta, Tuolumne, Siskiyou, at elevations of 1800-2135 m.
What plant family does Lewisia kelloggii subsp. hutchisonii belong to?
Lewisia kelloggii subsp. hutchisonii is in the Montiaceae family, genus Lewisia.
Is Lewisia kelloggii subsp. hutchisonii rare or endangered?
Lewisia kelloggii subsp. hutchisonii 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.