Bitter-root (Lewisia rediviva, Fl. Amer. Sept. 2: 368 (1813))

Family: Montiaceae

Author: Pursh

Bibliography: Fl. Amer. Sept. 2: 368 (1813)

Year: 1813

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lewisia

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Canada to W. U.S.A.

Description

Bitter-root, scientifically known as Lewisia rediviva, is a striking perennial plant belonging to the Montiaceae family. First chronicled by Frederick Traugott Pursh in his 1813 botanical work, the Flora Americae Septentrionalis, this resilient species is widely distributed from western Canada to the western United States.

This herbaceous plant is known for its remarkable ability to thrive in some of the harsher environments of North America, typically favoring rocky or gravelly soils. Bitter-root’s low-growing habit and rugged survival tactics make it well-suited to the arid climates and varied elevations of its native terrains.

Lewisia rediviva is best observed during its blooming season, when it exhibits delicate, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink to white, often creating a beautiful contrast with its barren surroundings. The flowers close at night and reopen with the arrival of the morning sun, adding a dynamic visual element to the plant’s already unique appearance.

Despite its modest size, Bitter-root holds significant cultural importance. It was highly valued by Indigenous tribes in its native range for its edible roots, which were often harvested and dried as a food source. The plant’s name reflects this cultural heritage, underscoring its integral role in the lives of those who have long inhabited the region.

In modern times, Lewisia rediviva has garnered attention not only for its historical and ecological significance but also for its horticultural potential. Gardeners looking to introduce a touch of rugged beauty to rock gardens or xeriscapes often seek out this species, appreciating both its low maintenance requirements and its enchanting floral display.

Overall, Bitter-root stands as a testament to nature’s adaptability, embodying resilience and beauty in even the most challenging landscapes. It remains a plant of enduring interest to botanists, horticulturalists, and conservationists alike.

Common Names

Eng: oregon bitter-root, bitter root, bitter-root, bitterroot, oregon bitterroot, southern lewisia
Swe: bitterrot
Fra: léwisie à racine amère
En: Bitter-root, Bitter root, Bitterroot, Oregon bitterroot, Mo’ôtáa-heséeo’ôtse, Oregon bitter-root, Southern lewisia
Zh: 苦根
Nl: Bitterroot
Fi: Kanadanlevisia
Fr: Léwisie à racine amère
Is: Huldublaðka
Sv: Bitterrot

Synonyms

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 30, 2014 by EOL − Evan Raskin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 14, 2019 by Tom Clark (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2020 by Dian Stechbart (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2021 by Susan Graham (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2019 by randa keys (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 2, 2020 by Bamboo Windchime (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2020 by John John Hardham (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2022 by Crystal Kennedy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 17, 2016 by EOL − Donna Pomeroy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 22, 2020 by laura duncan (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 24, 1999 by EOL − Beatrice F. Howitt (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2002 by EOL − Gerald and Buff Corsi (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2000 by EOL − Jo-Ann Ordano (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 29, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Oct 16, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5384259)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:317390-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lewisia rediviva Pursh)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth