Santa Clara Valley dudleya facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Santa Clara Valley dudleya
The Santa Clara Valley dudleya growing among serpentinite rocks.
Conservation status
Endangered (ESA)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Dudleya
Species:	setchellii

The Santa Clara Valley dudleya (its scientific name is Dudleya setchellii) is a special type of plant. It's also called the Santa Clara Valley liveforever. This plant is a succulent, which means it has thick, fleshy parts that store water, like a cactus or aloe vera. It belongs to a group of plants called Dudleya.

This unique plant only grows in the Santa Clara Valley area, which is in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Because it grows in such a small area, it was officially listed as an endangered species on February 3, 1995. This means it is very rare and needs protection to survive. Some scientists think it might be a type of Dudleya abramsii.

What Does It Look Like?

The Santa Clara Valley dudleya is a beautiful plant. In the spring, it grows tall, straight stems that are about one foot (30 centimeters) high. On top of these stems, you can see pale yellow flowers blooming.

Where Does It Live?

The Santa Clara Valley dudleya is found only in a small area called the Coyote Valley. This area is in the southern part of Santa Clara County, California. You can mostly find these plants growing on rocky spots within special serpentine grasslands. These grasslands are on Tulare Hill and in the Santa Teresa Hills. These hills are west of Coyote Creek in south San Jose. You can also find them south of Metcalf Canyon, which is east of Coyote Creek.

Images for kids

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  The flowers and how they grow on the plant.

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  A close-up view of the flowers when they are blooming.

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  Another detailed look at the flowers and how they are arranged.

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  A close-up of the flowers and their structure.

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  The plant growing in its natural home.

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  Several plants in their natural environment.