Also called: Bitterwort

Lewisia rediviva
Lewisia, after Captain Meriwether Lewis who discovered the plant in Montana in 1806. Lewis collected specimens of many plant species, on his N. American coast-to-coast expedition of 1804-06; redivivus, brought back to life.

Description. Bitterroot is a ground-level perennial, 1-3cm (3/8 – 1 3/8”) tall, that grows from a very deep, thick taproot. By the time the spectacular white to deep-pink blooms show in spring, the fleshy leaves have withered and gone dormant. Bitterroot is easily found growing on the rocky knolls at the top of Knox Mountain Park – watch where you’re walking in the spring.

Historical plant use. Bitterroot roots were cooked, dried and stored for winter food.

Unusual aspects of this plant. The blooms open only in the sunshine. The roots can revive after extensive periods of desiccation.