#56. Bitterroot

Lewisia rediviva

Family:

Purslane Family

Characteristics:

1. Flowers are several inches across, with white or pink petals.

2. The many leaves are all basal, one to three inches long, and thick because of water retention.

3. The leaves disappear before the plant flowers.

4. The roots are thick and carrot-like.

Habitat:

Bitterroot lives on rocky ridges and thin soils on basalt flats.

Importance:

1. Roots once dug, peeled, and boiled by the American Indians. The best flavor is obtained by digging them in spring. Summer digging yields bitter tasting roots.