Lewisia longipetala
Long-petaled lewisia
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Montiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Lewisia longipetala (Long-petaled lewisia) is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family, recognized by long petals ≥15mm also distinctive.
Long-petaled lewisia is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in northern and central Sierra Nevada Mountains in boulder fields, rock crevices, and subalpine forests at elevations of 2,500 to 2,925 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces white to rose-colored flowers with delicate petals 15 millimeters or longer, often featuring red-gland-toothed margins. Growing with multiple slender stems 3 to 8 centimeters tall, each bearing one to two flowers nestled within an open rosette of leaves. Its leaves form a delicate arrangement, each linear to narrowly oblanceolate, measuring 3 to 6 centimeters long with thin, entire edges and blunt tips. The plant's distinctive flower structure includes five to ten elegantly shaped petals emerging from a compact base, creating a subtle yet intricate alpine botanical display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; long petals ≥15mm also distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Boulder, rock fields, crevices, scree fed by snow-melt, subalpine forest
Elevation: 2500-2925 m
California counties: Nevada, El Dorado, Placer
Bloom period
Lewisia longipetala blooms Jul-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
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 longipetala native to California?
Yes. Lewisia longipetala is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lewisia longipetala bloom?
Lewisia longipetala blooms Jul-Aug.
Where in California does Lewisia longipetala grow?
Lewisia longipetala occurs in Nevada, El Dorado, Placer, at elevations of 2500-2925 m.
What plant family does Lewisia longipetala belong to?
Lewisia longipetala is in the Montiaceae family, genus Lewisia.
Is Lewisia longipetala rare or endangered?
Lewisia longipetala carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, 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.