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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Lewisia rediviva Pursh
Bitter root, Oregon bitter-root
Portulacaceae (Purslane Family)
USDA Symbol: LERE7
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A low, little plant with comparatively big, deep pink to nearly white flowers that bloom on short stalks, nearly within a rosette of narrow succulent leaves. During mid-summer, Oregon bitter-root is dormant. In late summer the stout taproot bears a low rosette of cylindrical, succulent leaves which remain green over winter and disappear after the plant has flowered. As snows recede, one-several showy flowers are borne on low stems. The flowers are the largest of the genus, (up to 2 in. across), with numerous white to rose petals surrounding a cluster of stamens.
Of the several pretty species of ground-hugging Lewisias, this one is the Montana state flower and perhaps the most showy. It was first collected by Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expedition, who is honored by the genus name.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NV , OR , UT , WA , WYCanada: AB , BC
Native Distribution: E. of the Cascades from s.e. B.C. to n. CA, e. to the mts. of MT, CO & n. AZ
Native Habitat: Rocky or gravelly, wooded or brushy slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Description: Loose rocks.
Conditions Comments: Bitter root is difficult to grow. It must have perfect drainage as the taproot is easily rotted. Moisture is needed while flowering, but a period of dry dormancy is necessary after seeding. In cultivation, this wildflower does best in rock gardens.
Benefit
Use Food: Taproots consumed by indigenous peoples.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Propagation
Description: Propagate by seed or division. Sow outdoors in late fall (maximum temperature must be less than 50 degrees); or enclose in plastic bag with moist peat or vermiculite and refrigerate for 3-4 months. Remove and pot germinating seeds bi-weekly. GerminatioSeed Collection: The mature fruit is a papery capsule with many tiny, black, shiny seeds.
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 1218 - Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources (2006) Anderson, M. KatSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Lewisia rediviva in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Lewisia rediviva in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Lewisia rediviva
Metadata
Record Modified: 2008-10-19Research By: TWC Staff
