Bitter-Root
Lewisia rediviva
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Pl. 4294 — Lewisia rediviva
Lewisia redivivaLewisia redivivaLewisia redivivaLewisia redivivaLewisia redivivaLewisia redivivaLewisia redivivaLewisia redivivaLewisia redivivaLewisia redivivaLewisia redivivaLewisia redivivaLewisia redivivaLewisia rediviva
IOverview
Overview
Bitter-root (Lewisia rediviva), a perennial herb in the family Caryophyllaceae, is native to western North America, ranging from Alberta and Arizona to California and Wyoming. Known for its edible root, which can be roasted or boiled, this plant thrives in moist, light soils and requires full sun. Its distinctive feature lies in its vibrant pink or magenta flowers with a yellow center, often blooming in early spring. Found in various habitats including open woods, rocky slopes, and meadows, bitter-root is both ornamental and edible, making it a valuable addition to native plant gardens.
Quick answers
What is Bitter-Root?
Bitter-root (Lewisia rediviva), a perennial herb in the family Caryophyllaceae, is native to western North America, ranging from Alberta and Arizona to California and Wyoming. Known for its edible root, which can be roasted or boiled, this plant thrives in moist, light soils and requires full sun.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bitter-root thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that is light (sandy) to medium in texture. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can be propagated through root division or seed sowing. As a perennial, it grows to about 0.1 meters tall and is found naturally in Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The edible parts are the roots.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bitter-Root for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing Bitter-Root.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot or garden bed, seeds or young plants, well-draining soil.
- 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 a light, sandy mix with good drainage. Ensure containers have holes for water to escape.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost is past or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water gently but regularly, keeping the soil moist. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to maintain plant health, but avoid disturbing the roots.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting sun exposure, not providing enough drainage.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The bitter-root plant's root is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. Typically, the roots are dug up and prepared by boiling to make them more palatable due to their bitter taste. Skip the detailed preparation steps as they were not provided in the data.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 12 native
Broader regions
native:Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Alberta
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 4294f9c5-23fe-4857-875e-2fcb2beac1bb
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