Bitterroot , scientifically known as Lewisia rediviva , belong to the Montiaceae kinfolk , formerly placed in Portulacaceae . It ’s a recurrent herbaceous plant with the species name “ rediviva ” derive from Latin , intend “ brought back to lifetime , ” alluding to its power to revive after periods of sleeping or xerotes .
Bitterroot has a significant historical background , especially among Native American federation of tribes , where it was a crucial food and medicative flora . It was first documented by westerly scientific discipline during the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1806 when Meriwether Lewis gather up sample in what is now Montana . The works ’s resiliency and ethnical importance lead to it being mention the State Department flower of Montana in 1895 . Indigenous kinship group like the Salish and Kootenai have long revered it for its sustenance and healing property .
This plant is aboriginal to westerly North America , ranging from southern British Columbia in Canada , southward through Washington , Oregon , Idaho , Montana , Wyoming , Colorado , Utah , Nevada , and into northern California and Arizona . It thrives in dry , rocky , and well - drained soils , often find in sage brush plain stitch or at high mountain elevations .
Bitterroot is a low - originate perennial with a taproot , emerging in late fall or early bounce with succulent leaves that wither as the flowering begins . peak are gaudy , wander from deep pinko to whiten , with 4 - 9 sepals and numerous petals , appear on myopic stems . The plant goes dormant during the summer , with flowers bloom in spring , providing a stark contrast to the often coarse landscape where it grows .
As a perennial , Lewisia rediviva can live for several years , but specific to its growing cycle , it has a seasonal dormancy . Each class , new growth emerges from the same taproot , allowing the plant to survive in environs with extreme temperature and wet fluctuations .
Bitterroot adapts to USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8 , reflecting its capability to stand firm cold winters and dry summers . This reach jibe to its lifelike distribution across various climatic precondition in the western states , where it can endure both the chill of high EL and the rut of desert - like conditions .
Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva): Characteristics
Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva): Cultivation
Soil Type
Bitterroot requires well - drain , sandy or gravelly soil . The grime should be poor in nutrients to mime its natural habitat , as too fertile a soil can conduct to weak , less resilient growth .
establish
Plant Bitterroot where it wo n’t be interrupt , as its taproot can be quite deep . Sow seeds now in the fall or former winter , or plant dormant origin in former autumn . Seeds need a full point of cold stratification , so autumn planting is recommend .
Sun Exposure
This plant life boom in full sun to partial shade . In areas with intense summertime hotness , some good afternoon shade can foreclose scorching .
Watering
Water sparingly , as Bitterroot is adapted to dry stipulation . Over - watering can lead to root rot . During its growth period in give , body of water only when the soil is dry . trim back watering once the works goes sleeping in summer .
Mulching
Use a light mulch of crushed rock or small endocarp to help maintain stain temperature and moisture around the root zone , but fend off organic mulch that retain too much wet .
Propagation
Besides seeds , Bitterroot can be circulate through root cutting taken in previous fall or early saltation . However , sectionalization of the taproot is not recommended as it can severely harm the plant .
Fertilization
minimum fecundation is needed ; too much can be detrimental . If you must fertilise , use a very dilute , humbled - atomic number 7 fertilizer in early spring to endure new growth without promoting weak , leafy growth at the expense of flowering .
Dormancy
Respect the plant ’s born dormancy cycle . In summer , when the plant goes dormant , cut back or cease watering , and fend off disturb the sphere where Bitterroot is growing .
Pest and Disease Management
Bitterroot is generally gadfly - resistant due to its harsh growing stipulation . However , watch for root rot if over - watered . Also , slugs can be a problem in wetting agent condition ; use natural controls if necessary .
Winter Care
In cold zones or during particularly harsh winters , a stratum of mulch ( like crushed rock ) can protect the plant from rime raise . However , Bitterroot is quite hardy to cold once established , so extensive protection is more often than not not needed .
