Cantelow's Lewisia
(Lewisia cantelovii )
Portulacaceae

Photo Copyright 1990 Arthur H. Bazell, M.D.

Description: Perennial herb with a short, woody stem that tapers to a narrow root.  Leaves form a spreading rosette, less than 3 1/8 inch (8 cm).  Each leaf is spoon-shaped, finely to coarsely dentate, with tips round, truncate, or notched. Inflorescense stems number 1 to several, 2 3/4 - 18 inches (7-45 cm) long.  Corolla more or less round with 5-6 petals, each 1/8 - 3/8 inch (4.5-9 mm) long, obovate, pale pink with deeper veins. 5-6 stamens and 3 stigmas. Foliage turns striking red color in fall.

Distribution: This species is found in the steep canyons of northern Sierra Nevada rivers, especially in the Yuba and Feather River drainages.  BLM manages habitat along the South Fork of the Yuba River.

Habitat: Broadleafed upland forest, chaparral, foothill woodland, often on granite cliff faces and rocky outcrops, 1312 - 4265 feet (400-1300 meters).

Flowering Period: May-June

Similar Plants:

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B