bitter root

Lewisia rediviva Pursh

Lewisia rediviva is a small perennial herb in the Montiaceae family. The species name rediviva indicates its capacity to regenerate from dry, apparently dead roots. It is commonly known as bitter root and is native to regions including Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Description

Lewisia rediviva, known as bitter root, is a member of the Montiaceae family. This herb is characterized by its ability to regrow from dry roots, as suggested by its specific epithet rediviva. It is found across several western North American states and Canadian provinces. The plant was first described in 1813 by Pursh.