Canyon Dudleya
Dudleya cymosa
Care
full sun, part shade
very low
rocky, well-drained; cliff faces and rock outcrops
0–0ft tall , 0–0ft wide
Apr-Jun · yellow, red, orange
Evergreen
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
California Coast Ranges and foothills
Clusters of bright yellow to red-orange flowers on short stalks
Perfect for rock gardens, walls, and containers; extremely drought tolerant
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Canyon Dudleya in full sun or part shade in rocky, well-drained soil - think of the steep clay slopes and cliff faces where it naturally grows. Drainage is non-negotiable; if your soil tends to hold moisture, amend it heavily with rock or coarse sand. This is a compact plant (under 6 inches tall), so it works beautifully in containers or in rock gardens where you can control the soil. Plant in spring for best establishment.
After Planting
Water sparingly during the first growing season to help it establish, then stop - once established, never irrigate this plant again. It's built for drought and will rot if overwatered. The biggest mistake Bay Area gardeners make is treating it like a typical plant that needs regular water; resist the urge. Expect red-orange flowering stems with yellow-red flowers in spring (April through June), and know that this evergreen succulent can handle our occasional freezes down to -10°F.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Listed under California Endangered Species Act
California Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Birds
Primary nectar source during Apr-Jun bloom season; supports breeding activities
Insects
Larvae feed on Dudleya foliage in spring; critical host plant in canyon habitats
Early season larvae utilize Dudleya foliage; common in chaparral canyons
Parasitic plant associated with Dudleya in canyon habitats
Multiple Incisalia species utilize Dudleya as larval host plant
Caterpillars feed on succulent leaves during spring emergence
Collects pollen during bloom season for larval provisions
Arachnids
Lichen grows on Dudleya leaves and stems; provides microhabitat