Malheur Experiment Station

Lewisia rediviva

Lewisia rediviva Common Names Bitter root, Bitterroot Family Purslane Flower Color White/Purple Plant Type Herb Native Yes Weed No

Native Americans used the root of bitter root (Lewisia rediviva) for food. It became famous following the Lewis and Clark expedition and is associated with the Bitterroot Mountains in Idaho. The plants flower from bare rocky soil with no leaves, then follow their showy flowering with inconspicuous leaves to recharge the plant for the year. These bitter root flowers are growing in the seemingly hostile volcanic rock of Jordan Craters and gravely soil at other locations. It is a member of the Purslane family.