It is also regarded as one of the most distinctive members of the Dudleya, with one of the most specialized inflorescences in the genus,[2] adapted to hummingbird pollination through its red pendent flowers, the longest corolla, and the highest nectar output.

All parts of the inflorescence are covered in a chalky wax, and the flowering stems may reach up to 150 cm (59 in) long.

[5] One of the only other hummingbird-specialized species in the genus, Dudleya rigida, found in far southern Baja California Sur, also has long, red, unscented pendent flowers, but the pendent flowers result from different orientations of the inflorescence structures compared to D. pulverulenta and its relatives.

The rosette reaches a width of 7–60 cm (2.8–23.6 in), and is composed of 40 to 60 wide, flat, fleshy, chalky white leaves which age to a pinkish papery texture.

The leaves are shaped oblong, broadest at the base or upper third, with the tip acuminate to mucronate, or acute.

There are 2 to 5 terminal branches, known as cincinni, that are nodding in youth but become spreading in age, and measure 10–50 cm (3.9–19.7 in) long.

[3][8] Plants subject to full sun close their rosettes during the summer, and in July to August the leaves will begin to fold upward and inward, "shrinking" in the heightened temperatures.

[6] Higher temperatures are tolerated well by Dudleya because of their epicuticular wax, which reflects light and prevents evaporation of water droplets.

Dudleya brittonii bears a superficial resemblance to this species, but differs significantly in its smaller yellowish-white flowers and dense inflorescence.

Its range extends from extreme southern Monterey County[14] southward to Punta Prieta in the central desert of Baja California.

[6] Plants are very rapid recolonizers as evidenced by proliferation on roadcuts or disturbed soil shortly after development.

When the plant dies, the rosette takes on a withered, ashy gray appearance, resembling a bird's nest.