# Chalk Dudleya (*Dudleya pulverulenta*) Chalk Dudleya is a special plant that looks like a little rosette of leaves. It grows in rocky places and can be found in coastal areas. Its leaves are covered in a powdery coating that helps it stay dry. - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Coastal areas ![Chalk Dudleya](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Dudleya_pulverulenta_1.jpg&width=800) Photo: Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dudleya_pulverulenta_1.jpg) ## Appearance The Chalk Dudleya has rosettes of thick, succulent leaves coated in a distinctive white, powdery "chalk." Its tall, reddish flower stalks emerge from the center, bearing bright yellow or reddish-yellow star-shaped flowers. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Saxifragales - **Family:** Crassulaceae - **Genus:** Dudleya ## Interesting facts - Its scientific name, 'pulverulenta,' means 'powdery,' referring to its unique white coating! - Some types of hummingbirds love to sip nectar from its bright, bell-shaped flowers! - The chalky powder on its leaves is actually tiny wax particles that rub off easily, so try not to touch! - This plant is sometimes called 'Live-Forever' because it can bounce back after very long dry periods! ## Special abilities - **Water Storage Tank:** Chalk Dudleya's thick, fleshy leaves are like tiny water bottles, storing precious moisture to help it survive dry spells. - **Rock Anchor:** Chalk Dudleya can grow deep roots that firmly anchor it to rocky cliffs, helping it stay put even in strong winds! ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 5-60 cm - **Spread:** 10-20 cm - **Flower Size:** 1-2 cm - **Bloom Season:** Spring to early summer (April-July) - **Edible:** No - **Toxicity:** None - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Insect ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** European Honey Bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Gathers nectar from its flowers. - **Pollinates:** [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) — Sips nectar and aids reproduction. - **Eaten by:** [Mule Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mule-deer) (*Odocoileus hemionus*) — Occasionally browses its succulent leaves. ## Traits - [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle. - [Spring Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spring-blooming): Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth. - [Evergreen](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/evergreen): Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once. - [Drought Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/drought-tolerant): Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability. - [Succulent](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/succulent): Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Coastal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/coastal): Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Endangered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/endangered): Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Chalk Dudleya? Compare leaf arrangement, rosette shape, ribs, spines and flowers. Keep in mind that drought and strong sun can shift a plant's color and shape. Succulent Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is Chalk Dudleya? 5-60 cm ### How wide does Chalk Dudleya spread? 10-20 cm ### How big are the flowers on Chalk Dudleya? 1-2 cm ### When does Chalk Dudleya bloom? Spring to early summer (April-July) ### Is Chalk Dudleya edible? No ### Is Chalk Dudleya toxic? None ### What is Chalk Dudleya's lifecycle? Perennial ## Where to spot - [Arroyo Conejo Open Space](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arroyo-conejo-open-space) — California, US · Park - [Conejo Valley Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/conejo-valley-botanical-garden) — California, US · Botanical Garden - [Tecate Peak](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/tecate-peak) — California, US · Natural Landmark [View all places to see Chalk Dudleya](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/chalk-dudleya) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Chalk Dudleya: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/chalk-dudleya)