# Bitterroot (*Lewisia rediviva*) Bitterroot is a pretty flower that grows in the mountains. It has pink or white petals and is known for its special roots that can be eaten. It blooms in spring and loves sunny places! - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 6 - **Habitat:** Mountain regions ![Bitterroot](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Lewisia_rediviva_9789.JPG&width=800) Photo: Walter Siegmund (talk), CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lewisia_rediviva_9789.JPG) ## Appearance The Bitterroot has striking rose-pink to white flowers, often with darker stripes, that emerge directly from a low rosette of narrow, fleshy leaves. Its bright petals stand out vividly against dry, rocky ground, making it easily spotted. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Caryophyllales - **Family:** Montiaceae - **Genus:** Lewisia ## Interesting facts - It's the state flower of Montana, a symbol of its rugged mountain beauty! - Its name comes from roots that taste bitter unless prepared correctly! - Its nutritious roots were a vital food source, even traded like currency! - This tough plant can bloom again even after its leaves have completely withered! ## Special abilities - **Water Storage Roots:** Bitterroot can survive long droughts because its fleshy taproot stores vital water and nutrients deep underground. - **Resurrection Plant:** Bitterroot has an amazing ability to "play dead," shriveling up and appearing lifeless, only to burst into bloom again later! - **Drought Dormancy:** Bitterroot can go dormant during dry periods, shedding its leaves to conserve moisture until conditions improve. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 1-5 cm - **Spread:** 2-10 cm - **Flower Size:** 2-5 cm - **Bloom Season:** Spring_to_early_summer - **Edible:** Yes - **Toxicity:** None - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Insect ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** Two-form Bumblebee (*Bombus bifarius*) — Collects pollen and nectar from its vibrant flowers. - **Pollinates:** Honeybee (*Apis mellifera*) — Visits flowers, aiding in its reproduction. - **Eaten by:** [Deer Mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/deer-mouse) (*Peromyscus maniculatus*) — May nibble on its leaves or flower parts. - **Eaten by:** [Northern Pocket Gopher](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-pocket-gopher) (*Thomomys talpoides*) — Digs for and consumes its fleshy roots. ## Traits - [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle. - [Spring Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spring-blooming): Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth. - [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense. - [Medicinal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/medicinal): Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Edible](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/edible): Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always look but don't touch wild plants unless a grown-up says it's okay. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Bitterroot? Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is Bitterroot? 1-5 cm ### How wide does Bitterroot spread? 2-10 cm ### How big are the flowers on Bitterroot? 2-5 cm ### When does Bitterroot bloom? Spring_to_early_summer ### Is Bitterroot edible? Yes ### Is Bitterroot toxic? None ### What is Bitterroot's lifecycle? Perennial ## Where to spot - [P Ranch](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/p-ranch) — Oregon, US · Historic Site - [Painted Hills](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/painted-hills) — Oregon, US · Natural Landmark - [Sierra Safari Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sierra-safari-zoo) — Nevada, US · Zoo - [Butte-Anaconda Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/butte-anaconda-historic-district) — Montana, US · Historic District - [Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/craters-of-the-moon-national-monument-and-preserve) — Idaho, US · National Park - [Fort Washakie](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-washakie) — Wyoming, US · Historic Site [View all places to see Bitterroot](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/bitterroot) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Bitterroot: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/bitterroot)