Dudleya viscida (S.Watson) Moran
Sticky Dudleya / Sticky Liveforever
Dudleya viscida, Sticky Dudleya, is a rare and protected species endemic to a very small area in Orange County, California (primarily Crystal Cove State Park and adjacent areas). It is the only Dudleya with viscid (sticky to touch) leaves, a character that immediately separates it from all congeners and gives it its specific name. The CNPS rates it 1B.2 (Rare, Threatened, and Endangered).
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© Stan Shebs
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Dudleya |
| Growth Habit | Compact to medium rosette 10–25 cm; robust caudex; occasionally produces offsets; very slow growth. |
| Conservation Status | CNPS List 1B.2 — Rare, Threatened, and Endangered in California; distribution restricted to fewer than 10 localities in Orange County; threatened by coastal development, exotic plant invasion, and extreme droughts. Protected under the California Endangered Species Act. |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Type | Granodioritic, highly draining, neutral, with direct coastal Pacific wind exposure. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Linear to lanceolate leaves 5–15 cm long, glandular and viscid to the touch (unique in the genus); bright to yellow-green without farina; acute apex; the glandular exudate may trap small insects and dust.
ecoRobust caudex, slightly branched, very well anchored in granodiorite rock; stems are also glandular-viscous.
ecoBranched inflorescences 20–40 cm; tubular flowers red to orange-carmine, 1–1.5 cm; May to July flowering.
ecoDeep root system in fractured granodiorite; well adapted to scarce water availability on Orange County coastal cliffs.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Granodioritic, highly draining, neutral, with direct coastal Pacific wind exposure.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Collect ripe seeds in summer; keep in a dry place until autumn.
- 2 Surface-sow in silica sand + perlite mix (1:1).
- 3 Maintain at 15–18 °C with bright indirect light; moisten with a very fine mist.
- 4 Germination in 3–6 weeks; progressively reduce watering in the first summer.
- 1 Detach basal offsets with a sterile scalpel during autumn–winter.
- 2 Callus for 5–7 days; the glandular surface tends to trap particles, clean gently.
- 3 Establish in pure mineral substrate; water lightly after 10 days.
The glandular hairs of D. viscida can trap dust and debris; clean gently with a dry soft brush if necessary.
Watering in summer, inducing root and crown rot during dormancy.
Every 3–4 years in autumn. Small pots favor the controlled water stress the species prefers.
A single dose of low-N mineral fertilizer diluted to 25% in autumn. No fertilization in late spring or summer.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No documented toxicity; glandular exudate not irritating to human skin under normal contact.
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"The viscosity of D. viscida has prompted the hypothesis that the species may be a proto-carnivorous plant: insects trapped by its glands decompose directly on the leaf surface, and nitrogen-15 isotope studies of wild population leaves show elevated ¹⁵N levels consistent with absorption of animal-origin nitrogen. No study has confirmed active digestive enzymes to date."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.