Lewisia oppositifolia
Opposite-leaved lewisia
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Family: Montiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Lewisia oppositifolia (Opposite-leaved lewisia) is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family, recognized by umbel-like clusters and lack of glands diagnostic.
Opposite-leaved lewisia is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges in moist conifer forest sites at elevations of 300 to 1,300 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces delicate pink flowers that fade to white, with 8 to 11 petals measuring 12 to 17 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems 6 to 20 centimeters tall, it forms clusters of 2 to 5 flowers in an approximately umbel-like arrangement. Its leaves are linear-oblanceolate, 4 to 11 centimeters long, with a tapered base and blunt tip, typically reduced on the lower part of the stem. The small fruit is 5 to 6 millimeters long, containing 5 to 15 seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 14 sympatric species; umbel-like clusters and lack of glands diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist sites, conifer forest
Elevation: 300-1300 m
California counties: Del Norte
Outside California: southwestern Oregon
Bloom period
Lewisia oppositifolia blooms Mar-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.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 oppositifolia native to California?
Yes. Lewisia oppositifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lewisia oppositifolia bloom?
Lewisia oppositifolia blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Lewisia oppositifolia grow?
Lewisia oppositifolia occurs in Del Norte, at elevations of 300-1300 m.
What plant family does Lewisia oppositifolia belong to?
Lewisia oppositifolia is in the Montiaceae family, genus Lewisia.
Is Lewisia oppositifolia rare or endangered?
Lewisia oppositifolia carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.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.