This deciduous perennial has a fleshy tap root and a short stem that may be branched and topped with dark green fleshy linear leaves. From early spring to summer it produces solitary pink or white funnel-shaped flowers that appear just above the foliage.
Hardiness zones 4 to 10
Lewisia redivivais naturally found in North America from British Columbia to southern California. It is also found on the plains and lower mountains in west and southern central Montana growing in sub-alpine and alpine elevations.
It prefers well-drained gravelly soil in an open sunny position and is drought and frost tolerant.
Bitterroot is grown for its flowers and is planted in dry rockeries or used a container specimen. It is also planted in arid or alpine gardens establishing in 2-3 years. It is suitable for mountainous regions and in the past Native Americans boiled the roots before eating them. Avoid watering during the dormant period. ID 3586
Note:
In its native habitat the plant experience a long dry summer with little or no water and in some cases it appears completely dead, then it revives the following season (brought back to life).
Lewisia redivivais the state flower Montana
Lewisia (loo-IS-ee-ah) rediviva (RAY-dee-VEE-vah)
Portulacaceae(PAW-tew-LAK-AY-see-ee)
Parakelias