Dudleya viscida has a basal clump of erect fleshy, pointed leaves which are nearly cylindrical or most often elliptical in cross section.

They are pale green to yellow-green or red in color and covered in a sticky, oily exudate which has a faintly resinous scent.

[3] This plant was described from the types collected on rocks near the San Juan Capistrano Hot Springs, by a Rev.

Joseph Nelson Rose's specimens were labeled as "Ocean Beach, near San Diego," but this is likely an error, probably referring to Oceanside instead.

[4] This Dudleya is endemic to southern California, where it is known from only about 20 occurrences in San Diego, Orange, and Riverside Counties.