Canyon Liveforever
(Dudleya cymosa)
Canyon Liveforever (Dudleya cymosa)
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Jean Pawek
CC BY 3.0
Image By:
Jean Pawek
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jean Pawek | License Type: CC BY 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ | Attribution: 2012 Jean Pawek | Publisher: Calphotos |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Dudleya cymosa, commonly known as "canyon liveforever," is a succulent plant native to rocky outcrops and cliffs in California’s chaparral and coastal sage scrub regions. It is a variable species with both evergreen and deciduous forms, depending on the subspecies and local conditions. This plant typically forms a gray-green basal rosette from which erect, red-orange stems arise, reaching heights of up to 30 cm. The small, yellowish-red, thimble-shaped flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, forming a cyme inflorescence that is attractive to pollinators. Some subspecies of Dudleya cymosa are considered threatened in their local habitats due to habitat loss and overcollection.
Canyon liveforever is valued for its striking appearance and low water requirements, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, succulent collections, and xeriscaping. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires very little water once established, preferring well-draining soils. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils. It is also important to protect this plant from snails and slugs, which may damage the succulent leaves. In addition to its horticultural appeal, Dudleya cymosa serves as the larval host plant for the Sonoran blue butterfly, contributing to local biodiversity.CC BY-SA 4.0
Canyon liveforever is valued for its striking appearance and low water requirements, making it a suitable choice for rock gardens, succulent collections, and xeriscaping. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires very little water once established, preferring well-draining soils. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soils. It is also important to protect this plant from snails and slugs, which may damage the succulent leaves. In addition to its horticultural appeal, Dudleya cymosa serves as the larval host plant for the Sonoran blue butterfly, contributing to local biodiversity.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 0.1-0.3 feet
- Width: 0.333-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow, Moderate
- Flower Color: Orange, Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Very Low, Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to rocky outcrops and cliffs in California’s chaparral and coastal sage scrub regions
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Dudleya cymosa, Cotyledon laxa,
GBIF Accepted Name: Dudleya cymosa (Lem.) Britton & Rose