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Dudleya edulis - Crassulaceae - 'Lady Fingers,','Mission Lettuce,' 'San Diego Dudleya.' --While there are so many succulent enthusiasts growing exotic beauties, many people don't realize that California is home to it's own genus of 'Live-forever's' which are the ornamental equal to any succulent commonly grown for pleasure. The Dudleyas thrive on neglect and in a wider range of outdoor conditions than you would suspect; in places they can't live outdoors, they make fine houseplants. Each plantlet can live for 20 years and will branch freely to fill in a swath over time. Pictured growing wild, in cultivation it has a tidy, geometric habit.

Native to coastal San Diego County, this is grown for its striking cylindrical leaves and its tendency to branch and root freely, forming a mat that makes a fine groundcover. It will also fill in between boulders on a slope and as such does well in very rocky soils. Its common and latin names refer to the plants edibility. The leaves and stems can be eaten, but this is mainly done for the plants' moisture content as it can leave the mouth feeling a bit dry and chalky.

Plant in full sun on the coast or part shade inland in very well-drained soil, or in pots. Light summer watering can keep up appearance, but is completely unnecessary for its survival. Also an excellent houseplant; hardy to 10°F.