Dudleya edulis
fingertips
Southern California and northern Baja California
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Native to North America
Overview
Dudleya edulis is an evergreen succulent in the stonecrop family, forming clumps of slender, finger-like leaves rising from a branching base. The pale green, cylindrical leaves are 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long and about 0.25 inch (6 mm) thick, rounded in cross-section and tapering to a soft point, often coated in a light powdery bloom. Clusters grow over time into low mounds 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) tall. In late spring slender flowering stalks 8-20 inches (20-50 cm) tall rise above the leaves, carrying small white star-shaped flowers. The species grows on dry, rocky slopes, cliffs, and coastal sage scrub in southern California and northern Baja California, rooting in crevices and shallow soil. It is summer-dormant in the wild, shrinking during drought and reviving with cooler, wetter weather. It needs sharp drainage and rots in wet, heavy soil. The succulent leaves were eaten raw by Indigenous peoples, the source of the species name. The flowers draw native bees.
Native Range
Dudleya edulis is native to southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico. It grows on dry rocky slopes, cliffs, canyon walls, and coastal sage scrub, often rooting in rock crevices and thin soils near the coast and in inland foothills.Suggested Uses
Used in rock gardens, succulent and dry-garden plantings, green roofs, and containers within its range and in similar Mediterranean climates. The finger-like clumps suit crevice and gravel plantings. It fills shallow, rocky pockets where deeper-rooted plants fail.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 10"
Width/Spread8" - 1'4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Small white star-shaped flowers open on slender stalks from April through June. Each stalk flowers over several weeks above the leaf clumps. Dry seed capsules follow through summer as the plant enters dormancy.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
pale greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun near the coast and light afternoon shade inland, with four to eight hours of light. Sharp drainage is essential, and rocky, gravelly, or sandy soils suit it, while wet or heavy soil causes rot. Watering is concentrated in the cool season, with little or none through the dry summer dormancy. Overhead water and humidity during summer heat lead to rot. It tolerates drought by shrinking and shedding older leaves. Container culture in fast-draining mix suits it in wetter climates.Pruning
Pruning is minimal. Dead outer leaves and spent flower stalks can be removed to keep clumps tidy. No cutting back of living foliage is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons