Columbian Bitterroot
Lewisia columbiana
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Pl. 29B5 — Lewisia columbiana
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IOverview
Overview
Columbian Bitterroot (Lewisia columbiana) is a perennial forb or herb native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, including British Columbia and states like Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. This plant thrives in habitats with moist conditions and prefers light to partial sun exposure. Known for its edible roots, which can be harvested, Columbian Bitterroot features distinctive pink or white flowers with a yellow center, setting it apart from other plants in the genus Lewisia. Its hardiness ranges from zones 4-8, making it adaptable to various climates within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Columbian Bitterroot?
Columbian Bitterroot (Lewisia columbiana) is a perennial forb or herb native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, including British Columbia and states like Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. This plant thrives in habitats with moist conditions and prefers light to partial sun exposure.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Columbian Bitterroot thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy) or medium in texture. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows as a perennial, reaching heights of about 0.2 meters. For best results, ensure the soil drains well and keep it consistently moist. Propagation can be done through seeds or division of established plants. The edible parts are the roots, which can be harvested carefully to enjoy their culinary benefits.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Columbian Bitterroot for the first time
8steps
Start with easy care and focus on basic soil preparation for your Columbian Bitterroot.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, a trowel, compost, mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with sand for good aeration. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep, or plant small divisions in the garden or pots.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist and mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly during dry spells but avoid overwatering. Fertilize sparingly with compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to maintain plant health, but do not harvest roots.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting mulch application, fertilizing too often.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The Columbian Bitterroot's root is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is often harvested and eaten raw or cooked. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 5 native
Broader regions
native:British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 29b50fe5-f6f9-4033-be4e-58cca75f5941
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