Bluff Lettuce

Bluff lettuce (*Dudleya farinosa*) is a small coastal succulent forming leaf rosettes. [Kew](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/85582-2) accepts the species, native from southwestern Oregon through northwestern and west-central California. Its synonyms include Echeveria farinosa and several older Dudleya names. Cliff lettuce and powdery liveforever are other common names; the species is distinct from the many unrelated succulents called hens and chicks. ## Site and care The [Theodore Payne Foundation](https://theodorepayne.org/nativeplantdatabase/index.php?title=Dudleya_farinosa) describes an evergreen rosette around 8 inches high and 1 foot wide, with pale-yellow spring flowers. Its profile recommends shade and well-drained, rocky soil, with drought-tolerant to occasional watering. Coastal bluffs and seaside conditions are characteristic settings. Match garden exposure to the local coastal climate and use excellent drainage rather than a constantly wet planting pocket. The profile does not establish performance in hot inland sun or severe winter climates. Allow the small rosettes to remain visible and accessible, monitor nearby competing growth and remove dead plant material without burying the crown in organic debris. ## Berkeley Fire Department The [recommended native plant list](https://berkeleyca.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Fire%20Resistant%20Plant%20List.pdf) explicitly names this species. Its firewise guidance depends on suitable placement and spacing, appropriate irrigation, pruning and regular removal of dead or dry vegetation. Consider mature size when designing separate planting groups and keep accumulated litter from becoming continuous fuel. The source is a garden-selection guide, not a guarantee of fire performance: no plant is completely fireproof. Follow current local fire-safety requirements and site conditions. ## San Luis Obispo County — January 2014 The [County-Approved Plant List](https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/planning-building/forms-documents/environmental-forms-and-documents/plants-information/county-approved-plant-list) rates Dudleya varieties at F2: its most fire-retardant planting category, for 30–70 feet from a structure. This plant is a provisional representative of that group; the source does not independently name or assess this particular species or selection. Follow the county’s conditions for plant health, watering and fire-buffer design: avoid overcrowding, remove dead material, maintain separate planting groups and prevent ground-to-canopy fuel connections. Keep other regional source ratings and their placement instructions separate; the county categories are not a universal flammability scale.