Dudleya caespitosa is a rosette form succulent up to 8 inches (20 cm) wide  containing up to 30 leaves. The leaves are fleshy  pale green  and cone-shaped to oblong  up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide and up to 0.4 inch (1 cm) thick. The stem is a caudex which grows erect up to 8 inches (20 cm) in height before branching into the inflorescence. Its color is variable  from green to red and yellow shades. At the top is a tall inflorescence which may hold 10 or 15 flowers on each of several branches. The flowers are bright yellow with pointed petals. Flowers are loved by hummingbirds.