Taper-Tip Liveforever
(Dudleya attenuata)
Taper-Tip Liveforever (Dudleya attenuata)
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Adam J. Searcy
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Adam J. Searcy
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Adam J. Searcy | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Adam J. Searcy | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-03-30T07:34:52-07:00 |

























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Dudleya attenuata, commonly known as taper-tip liveforever, is a perennial succulent native to coastal bluffs and rocky outcrops in Baja California and a small portion of California, typically below 164 feet in elevation. It forms dense clumps of rosettes with narrow, pencil-shaped leaves that are often covered in a protective white epicuticular wax, which helps to reflect sunlight and conserve water. The plant can reach up to 16 inches in width. During the flowering season, which occurs from late spring to early summer, Dudleya attenuata produces slender, erect inflorescences bearing small, star-shaped flowers that are white or yellow with five spreading petals, adding a delicate touch to the succulent’s robust form.
Taper-tip liveforever is valued for its drought tolerance and striking foliage, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, succulent collections, and xeriscaping. It requires minimal maintenance and thrives in well-draining soils, with infrequent watering once established. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is well-suited to coastal gardens due to its salt tolerance. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils. Dudleya attenuata is also known to hybridize readily, which can be a concern for maintaining species purity in cultivation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Taper-tip liveforever is valued for its drought tolerance and striking foliage, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, succulent collections, and xeriscaping. It requires minimal maintenance and thrives in well-draining soils, with infrequent watering once established. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is well-suited to coastal gardens due to its salt tolerance. While generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils. Dudleya attenuata is also known to hybridize readily, which can be a concern for maintaining species purity in cultivation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 0.5-0.6 feet
- Width: 0.6-1.25 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Pink, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to coastal bluffs and rocky outcrops in Baja California and a small portion of California, typically below 164 feet in elevation
Other Names
Common Names: Orcutt’s Liveforever, Santa Rosa Island Liveforever, Tapertip Liveforever, Santa Rosa Island Dudleya
Scientific Names: , Dudleya attenuata, Dudleya attenuata subsp. typica,
GBIF Accepted Name: