Lewisia kelloggii subsp. kelloggii
Kellogg'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. kelloggii (Kellogg's lewisia) is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family.
Kellogg's lewisia is a California native perennial ranked 3.2 by CNPS, found in the central Sierra Nevada Mountains in conifer forests on decomposed granite, volcanic ash, and rubble at elevations of 1,370 to 2,360 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces delicate white to pink flowers up to 20 millimeters long with multiple petals. Growing in small clusters with low-spreading habit, it forms compact rosettes with slender stems emerging from a dense base. Its leaves are narrow and compact, with blades less than 4.5 centimeters long and less than 1 centimeter wide, forming tight clusters close to the ground. In rocky, high-elevation habitats, this lewisia demonstrates remarkable adaptation to harsh mountain environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; unclear range resolution
Habitat and range
Habitat: Decomposed granite, volcanic ash, rubble, conifer forest
Elevation: 1370-2360 m
California counties: Mariposa, Sierra, Placer
Bloom period
Lewisia kelloggii subsp. kelloggii blooms May-Jul.
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. kelloggii native to California?
Yes. Lewisia kelloggii subsp. kelloggii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lewisia kelloggii subsp. kelloggii bloom?
Lewisia kelloggii subsp. kelloggii blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Lewisia kelloggii subsp. kelloggii grow?
Lewisia kelloggii subsp. kelloggii occurs in Mariposa, Sierra, Placer, at elevations of 1370-2360 m.
What plant family does Lewisia kelloggii subsp. kelloggii belong to?
Lewisia kelloggii subsp. kelloggii is in the Montiaceae family, genus Lewisia.
Is Lewisia kelloggii subsp. kelloggii rare or endangered?
Lewisia kelloggii subsp. kelloggii carries California Rare Plant Rank 3.2, state rank S2S3.
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.