Lewisia serrata
Saw-toothed lewisia, Saw-Toothed Lewisia
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Montiaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Lewisia serrata (Saw-toothed lewisia) is a native California herb in the Montiaceae family, recognized by coarsely toothed leaves highly distinctive.
Saw-toothed lewisia is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in northern Sierra Nevada Mountains in metamorphic cliff faces, rocky outcrops, riparian scrub, woodland, and conifer forest at elevations of 900 to 1,435 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces pale pink flowers with three to five longitudinal veins, approximately 5 to 6 millimeters long, emerging from a spreading rosette. Growing with several flowering stems 10 to 20 centimeters tall, it forms an open, many-flowered panicle that rises well above its distinctive leaves. Its leaves are arranged in a spreading rosette, less than 8 centimeters long, with a narrow spoon-shaped form and coarsely toothed edges that taper to a wide petiole with a rounded tip. The fruit is small, measuring 2.5 to 3 millimeters long, containing one to three seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; coarsely toothed leaves highly distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Metamorphic cliff faces, rocky outcrops, riparian scrub, woodland, conifer forest
Elevation: 900-1435 m
Bloom period
Lewisia serrata blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
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 serrata native to California?
Yes. Lewisia serrata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Lewisia serrata bloom?
Lewisia serrata blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Lewisia serrata belong to?
Lewisia serrata is in the Montiaceae family, genus Lewisia.
Is Lewisia serrata rare or endangered?
Lewisia serrata carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1S2.
What habitat does Lewisia serrata grow in?
Lewisia serrata grows in Metamorphic cliff faces, rocky outcrops, riparian scrub, woodland, conifer forest.
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.