Perennial of the Montiaceae family, this variety is endemic to the mountains of northern California and southern Oregon, where it colonizes rocky cliffs, ledges, and stabilized screes, generally between 600 and 1,800 meters, on acidic and very well-drained substrates.
It forms a thick and persistent rosette of fleshy, spatulate leaves, with wavy to crenate margins, a characteristic that distinguishes it from var. cotyledon with flatter leaves. From this rosette rise branched stems bearing abundant panicles, reaching 10 to 12 cm.
In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from May to July. The flowers, large and generous, feature bright pink to magenta pink petals, distinctly veined with a deeper pink, with orange stamens that animate the heart of each flower. The colorful richness of the panicle makes it one of the most spectacular lewisias of the genus.
It requires perfect drainage and dreads any prolonged moisture at the collar, particularly in winter. Planting in rock crevices or in raised containers, in a poor mineral mix, suits it perfectly. Winter protection against excessive rain is often recommended under Atlantic climates.